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Post–Gastric Bypass Hypoglycemia

  • Hospital Management of Diabetes (GE Umpierrez, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide. Obesity-related illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke, sleep apnea, and several forms of cancer (endometrial, breast, and colon), contribute to a significant number of deaths in the USA. Bariatric surgery, including the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure, has demonstrated significant improvements in obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities and is becoming more popular as the number of obese individuals rises. Despite the reported benefits of bariatric surgery, there are potential complications that physicians need to be aware of as the number of patients undergoing these procedures continues to increase. One challenging and potentially life-threatening complication that to date is not well understood is post-RYGB surgery hypoglycemia (PGBH). In this review, we will present the definition, historical perspective, diagnostic approach, currently available treatment options, and anecdotal assessment and treatment algorithm for this disorder.

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Correspondence to Mary Korytkowski.

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Chevon M. Rariy, David Rometo, and Mary Korytkowski declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Hospital Management of Diabetes

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Rariy, C.M., Rometo, D. & Korytkowski, M. Post–Gastric Bypass Hypoglycemia. Curr Diab Rep 16, 19 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-015-0711-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-015-0711-5

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