Q: Which doctor should I consult for Insulinoma?
A: A General Practitioner (GP) must be first consulted, with description of symptoms. The GP may then refer to a Diabetologist or Endocrinologist or Oncologist.
Q: What foods must be avoided by person suffering from Insulinoma?
A: Foods rich in refined sugar like cakes and sweets; alcohol, red meat and fried food must be avoided.
Q: Can Insulinoma cause low blood sugar?
A: Yes, insulinoma causes low blood sugar which is also known as hypoglycemia.
Q: Are diabetes and insulinoma related?
A: In rare cases, insulinoma can cause diabetes; as in such cases, the cancer destroys insulin producing cells. In addition, if the pancreas has to be removed, as part of treatment for insulinoma, the insulin levels decrease or there is no insulin to control blood sugar. This too can lead to diabetes.
Q: What is insulinoma in ferrets?
A: Insulinoma is common in middle aged to older ferrets. The tumor causes severe hypoglycemia. The clinical symptoms include excessive salivation, weakness of hind limbs, being depressed and unresponsive.
Q: What should be the diet of a person suffering from Insulinoma?
A: A person suffering from insulinoma should follow low GI (glycemic index) diet. It is also recommended that the patient eats every 2-3 hours in a day.
Q: How much time does it take to recover from surgery as treatment method for insulinoma?
A: The healing time varies from person to person and the type of operation. The person may suffer from extreme fatigue and it may last from few weeks to many months.
Q: Can insulinoma be prevented?
A: Insulinoma cannot be prevented, however, one can reduce the risk of developing hypoglycemia by exercising regularly and following a healthy diet.
