TABLE 2

Biochemical patterns and timing of hypoglycemia seen with endogenous and exogenous causes of hypoglycemia

FeatureEndogenous causes Exogenous causes
InsulinomaLate dumping syndromePGBHInsulin secretagoguesExogenous insulin
Glucose< 55 mg/dL< 55 mg/dL< 55 mg/dL< 55 mg/dL< 55 mg/dL
InsulinIncreasedIncreasedIncreasedIncreasedIncreased
C-peptideIncreasedIncreasedIncreasedIncreasedDecreased
Sulfonylurea/meglitinide screenNegativeNegativeNegativePositiveNegative
Timing of hypoglycemiaFastingPostprandialPostprandialAfter ingestionAfter injection

  • PGBH = post-gastric bypass hypoglycemia