A 32-year-old woman, JC, who had recently given birth, tried a ketogenic diet to lose her baby weight. However, she began experiencing strange symptoms such as numbness in her legs, panic, and anxiety. She was initially diagnosed with postpartum depression, but after further testing, it was revealed that she had severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Despite being treated, her symptoms persisted, and she eventually suffered from seizures and lost consciousness.
Further investigation revealed that JC had an insulinoma, a rare tumor on her pancreas that was causing her body to produce too much insulin, leading to the low blood sugar levels. The tumor was likely present during her pregnancy but was masked by insulin resistance, which is common in late-term pregnancy. After the baby was born, JC's body became more responsive to insulin, and the symptoms became more pronounced.
The medical team removed the tumor, and JC was able to recover and return to her normal life. The case highlights the importance of considering rare medical conditions, such as insulinoma, when diagnosing and treating patients with unusual symptoms.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. JC is a 32-year-old woman who had recently given birth.
2. She had gained 30 pounds during her pregnancy.
3. JC decided to try a keto diet to lose the baby weight.
4. She restricted her carbohydrate intake to zero and ate only proteins and fats.
5. JC also exercised for an hour daily.
6. She started feeling numbness in her legs during morning runs.
7. Her husband noticed her behaving strangely, such as repeatedly pouring water from one bottle to another.
8. JC had no memory of breakfast and felt a panic and anxiety.
9. She was diagnosed with postpartum depression at the doctor's office.
10. JC's doctor advised her to stop the strict keto diet while breastfeeding.
11. She relaxed her diet but later returned to the keto diet.
12. JC's condition worsened, and she experienced seizures and hypoglycemia.
13. A blood test revealed severe hypoglycemia.
14. JC's brain was not getting enough sugar, leading to mental status changes and mood swings.
15. The medical team administered a sugar water mixture intravenously to improve JC's consciousness.
16. JC's liver function was found to be normal.
17. The medical team suspected that JC's pancreas was producing too much insulin.
18. An abdominal MRI with contrast revealed a well-defined tumor in JC's pancreas.
19. The tumor was diagnosed as an insulinoma.
20. JC underwent surgery to remove the tumor and a part of her pancreas.
21. Her depression medicines were tapered and discontinued after the surgery.
22. JC's blood sugar levels returned to normal after the surgery.
23. She was able to return home in a good mood and resume her normal life.