Diagnostic approach to adults with hypoglycemic disorders

Optimal conditions for confirming the presence and accurately diagnosing the type of hypoglycemic disorder occur at the time of a spontaneous spell. Otherwise, dynamic testing to generate conducive conditions should be conducted in any patient with a history of neuroglycopenic symptoms, regardless of relation to meal ingestion. Specific criteria regarding beta-cell polypeptide concentrations are required to establish hyperinsulinemia. Sulfonylureas in plasma should be measured with sensitive assays. In complex cases, the selective arterial calcium test may be a useful dynamic test.