A patient is seen in the clinic for a follow-up on his diabetes management. The patient complains that after he administers insulin and his blood sugar drops, it quickly increases soon after. What disorder would be considered?
Explanation
• Somogyi phenomenon is a rebounding high blood sugar in response to hypoglycemia
• When hypoglycemia occurs, from excess insulin administration or prolonged fasting, the body's physiological mechanisms drive the rebound increase in blood sugar
• In response to hypoglycemia, the body secretes glucagon to raise the blood glucose immediately. Then, stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine are released to cause insulin resistance for several hours