Hypoglycaemia in non-diabetic pregnancy.

Abstract

Hypoglycaemia in non-diabetic pregnancy is rare, the majority of reported cases being due to insulinoma, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, malaria and inborn errors of metabolism. A case of hypoglycaemia in a woman with previous laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis insufficiency in the setting of opioid dependence is presented. The timing of low interstitial glucose levels was atypical for late dumping syndrome following bariatric surgery, and a change in the woman's glucocorticoid replacement resulted in resolution of hypoglycaemic symptoms. The incidence of opioid dependence in pregnancy is increasing rapidly. Health professionals should be aware of the possibility of opioids causing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis insufficiency, and the additional mechanisms by which opioids may cause hypoglycaemia.