A complex cascade: Severe hypoglycemia in a patient with dumping syndrome, exacerbated by tramadol use, chronic liver disease, and sepsis

Abstract

Severe hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients is a rare but critical condition often requiring a thorough clinical workup to identify underlying causes. We present a case of a 45-year-old male with a history of gastric bypass surgery, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic liver disease, and chronic tramadol use, who was admitted with altered mental status and developed episodes of profound hypoglycemia. Initial investigations ruled out insulin-mediated causes, prompting a more comprehensive diagnostic workup. Dumping syndrome, a known complication of gastric bypass surgery, was identified as a contributing factor to his hypoglycemia, leading to excessive insulin release following meals. However, his hypoglycemic episodes occurred both postprandially and randomly, necessitating further evaluation. Additional factors further compromised his metabolic instability and contributed to episodes of hypoglycemia unrelated to meals. Chronic tramadol use impaired hepatic gluconeogenesis, chronic liver disease reduced glucose storage and production, and sepsis further increased glucose consumption, collectively exacerbating these hypoglycemic episodes. This case underscores the importance of identifying dumping syndrome as a contributor to severe hypoglycemia in post-bariatric patients, while also considering additional metabolic factors that can worsen glucose instability. A thorough, multidisciplinary approach is crucial for diagnosing and managing hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients with multiple comorbidities.