A Low Dose of Pasireotide Prevents Hypoglycemia in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-Operated Individuals

Post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) can be a serious complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and treatment with somatostatin analogs has been suggested. We investigated the acute effects of three different doses of pasireotide (75 mu g, 150 mu g, and 300 mu g) on the postprandial glucose metabolism in five RYGB-operated individuals with PBH using a mixed meal test. All three doses prevented hypoglycemia but were associated with a notable increase in postprandial hyperglycemia. Moreover, all doses greatly diminished insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon-like peptide-1 responses. Considering its strong hyperglycemic potential, we suggest that pasireotide should be administered carefully in RYGB-operated individuals with PBH, and if necessary, a 75 mu g dose seems sufficient to prevent hypoglycemia.