Question Details
Insulinoma Patient
by amymatthews - October 21, 2009
Hello Steve,

I have another patient whom I think might benefit from herbs if you can give me some guidance. This is an elderly FX lab-golden with insulinoma (probably about 2 years now, though fairly asymptomatic for the first year - the primary vet reviewed the bloodwork and realized he'd probably missed the early signs) who has been managed well with a low glycemic index diet (and frequent meals) and acupuncture. She had a few episodes of collapse in the late spring but has done well since. She also has moderately severe stifle DJD. She is extremely hot, loves to lie out in the snow for hours at a time, doesn't move around much in the summer (though a little more this summer?). She has developed the PU/PD, ravenous appetite, and pot-belly of Cushing's over the past 6 months, but given that this probably provides her some insulin resistance, we weren't planning to treat it. In using acupuncture for her, KI support causes diarrhea; in general, PC6 or 8 + LR3, GB34 keeps her in a good place. Her tongue tends to be either brick-red or swollen and purplish, her pulse is narrow and weak - Damp Heat.

Any thoughts on appropriate approaches for this good old girl would be greatly appreciated.

Amy

Replies
by naturevet
October 23, 2009
Hi Amy,

I agree with your assessment. It just so happens that most insulinoma cases and most Cushing's cases are Damp Heat cases. Formulas like Si Miao San help Cushings by promoting insulin sensitivity, but relieve hypoglycemia by promoting gluconeogenesis. In short, then, they promote better Kreb's cycle activity, which enhances glucose formation from protein, but also enhances the ability of nutrients to be metabolized rather than 'shunted to insulin' for storage. Thus, two seemingly opposite metabolic effects are achieved by Damp Heat formulas.

I'd start with Si Miao San and see where you get to.

Please let us know how it goes.

Steve
by jschell
January 28, 2018
Hello ! I also have a Damp Heat hungry insulioma patient-- he is Shar Pei so Damp prevails!
I'm going to try Si Miao San too:)
Julie
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