Defining Clinical Characteristics of Individuals With and Without Post‐Bariatric Hypoglycemia After Gastric Bypass.

Grover, Ashna; Farahmandsadr, Maryam; Saeed, Hamayle; Cummings, Cameron; Sheehan, Amanda; Pei, Lei; Simonson, Donald C.; Patti, Mary Elizabeth

Context: Post‐bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) is a complication of bariatric surgery including Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB). It remains unclear why only some individuals develop PBH. Objective: To identify clinical characteristics distinguishing post‐RYGB individuals with PBH, versus without symptomatic hypoglycemia (RYGB non‐hypo). Design and Setting: Cross‐sectional observational study in academic referral centre. Adults 18–70, without current diabetes, were recruited into three groups: (1) PBH (n = 39); (2) RYGB non‐hypo (n = 25); and (3) individuals without history of upper gastrointestinal surgery (n = 17). Outcome measures included between‐group differences in medical history and medication use, and survey‐based scores for hypoglycemia, dumping syndrome, and autonomic symptoms. Results: PBH participants were 92% female, age 53.4 ± 11.9 y, BMI 31.2 ± 5.6 kg/m2, versus RYGB non‐hypo (100% female, age 53.2 ± 10.5 y, BMI 32.2 ± 8.0 kg/m2) and controls (65% female, age 44.5 ± 14.6 y, BMI 30.8 ± 6.3 kg/m2). 87% of PBH reported level 3 hypoglycemia, with emergency visits in 28% and vehicle accidents in 8%. Reduced hypoglycemia awareness was reported by 82%; 13%–17% were classified as unaware (modified Clarke/Gold scores). Preoperative hypoglycemia symptoms and family history were reported by 26% and 18% of PBH. PBH had significantly higher survey scores for hypoglycemia, dumping syndrome, and autonomic symptoms, and higher self‐reported neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, orthostatic hypotension, reflux esophagitis, intestinal dysmotility, and IBS (all p < 0.05 vs. RYGB non‐hypo). Gabapentin and PPI use was more frequent in PBH. Conclusion: High rates of IBS, dumping symptoms, and orthostatic hypotension suggest disordered autonomic regulation as a potential contributor to PBH. Self‐reported preoperative symptoms and family history of hypoglycemia suggest possible preoperative differences in glucose metabolism in PBH.

ORTHOSTATIC hypotension; GASTROESOPHAGEAL reflux; GASTROINTESTINAL surgery; SURGICAL complications; BARIATRIC surgery; GASTRIC bypass

Clinical Endocrinology, 2025, Vol 102, Issue 2, p111

0300-0664

Academic Journal

10.1111/cen.15169