THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF SPONTANEOUS HYPOGLYCEMIA

TLDR

Spontaneous hypoglycemia, first described by Harris in 1924, is a syndrome of characteristic symptoms caused by an abnormally low blood glucose level, and extensive knowledge has since accumulated on its diverse etiologies and clinical importance. Harris proposed the term hyperinsulinism for this syndrome, demonstrating that its symptoms are linked to low blood sugar and can be rapidly alleviated.

Abstract

Harris,¹in 1924, was the first to emphasize the fact that a fairly characteristic group of symptoms experienced by some persons is the result of a spontaneous fall of the blood sugar to hypoglycemic levels. He suggested that this clinical syndrome be called hyperinsulinism. In the ensuing years there has been developed a large reservoir of detailed knowledge regarding various aspects of spontaneous hypoglycemia. From the point of view of the clinician, the following aspects of this information are of prime importance. The Multiplicity of Causes of Spontaneous Hypoglycemia.—Spontaneous hypoglycemia must be regarded merely as a manifestation of an abnormality of carbohydrate metabolism, the cause of which may be one of a variety of diseases. Proof that a group of symptoms complained of by the patient is associated with an abnormally low level of sugar in the blood and that these symptoms can be quickly relieved by the