What is the primary hormone thought to be released excessively during dumping syndrome?

Dumping syndrome is a condition that occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, often seen after gastric bypass surgery or other weight-loss surgeries. The symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. One of the significant factors contributing to the symptoms experienced in dumping syndrome is the excessive release of insulin.

When food, particularly high in sugar, rapidly enters the small intestine, it leads to an influx of glucose into the bloodstream. In response to this sudden spike in blood sugar levels, the pancreas releases insulin to help lower glucose levels. However, in individuals with dumping syndrome, this insulin release can be exaggerated or excessive due to the rapid absorption of nutrients. This hyperinsulinemia can lead to a subsequent drop in blood glucose levels, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, sweating, dizziness, and palpitations.

Understanding the role of insulin in dumping syndrome highlights the physiological responses that occur after meals and the importance of managing dietary intake to mitigate these rapid changes in blood sugar levels. Hence, the primary hormone thought to be released excessively during dumping syndrome is indeed insulin.