Tumor of the beta cells of the pancreas

• secretes insulin
• Normally beta cells secrete insulin in response to high glucose in the blood stream.
• Diagnosis is made with blood tests of low blood glucose, elevated insulin, and elevated proinsulin and C-peptide levels.
• Steve Jobs of Apple died of Metastatic Insulinoma.
• rarely malignant, metastasis and primary usually present concomitantly.
• finding insulinoma near the pancreatic duct – this insulinoma might be malignant

Whipples Triad suggests insulinoma

1. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
2. Low plasma glucose
3. Relief of symptoms when glucose is raised to normal