Insulinoma Diet
How food can help
An insulinoma can release too much insulin and cause low blood glucose, also called hypoglycaemia or a hypo. Eating regularly can help prevent hypos while your specialist team treats the insulinoma. Diet alone may not be enough; medicines or treatment of the tumour may also be needed. [1]
ENETS recommends dividing food into small, frequent meals and including carbohydrates that are absorbed slowly, to avoid long periods without food. [1]
Regular meals and snacks
UKINETS recommends a low glycaemic index (GI) diet based around wholegrain carbohydrates, fibre, protein and fats, with regular meals and snacks. [2]
GI describes how quickly a carbohydrate food raises blood glucose. Lower GI choices produce a slower rise. Examples include oats, wholewheat pasta, lentils and chickpeas. Your dietitian can help you choose suitable foods and portions. [2,3]
The amount of carbohydrate, the foods you choose and when you eat all matter. If hypos continue, your plan needs to be reviewed and adjusted. UKINETS states: “Adjust amount, type and timing of carbohydrate if hypoglycaemia persists” (“First Line Advice – Dietary Management”, p. 2). [2]
Get a personal nutrition plan
Ask your specialist team for support from a dietitian experienced in insulinomas. Your plan should cover food during the day and overnight, and what to do if your blood glucose falls. The timing and amount of food need to match your pattern of hypos. [2]
UKINETS also recommends checking for malnutrition, meaning that your body is not getting the nutrition it needs. People at risk should be referred to a dietitian. Tell your team if you are losing weight or struggling to eat enough. [2]
Corn starch and modified starch
If regular meals and snacks do not prevent hypos, UKINETS describes corn starch as the next dietary option, followed by modified corn starch products such as Glycosade if needed. These form part of a specialist nutrition plan. [2]
The guidance describes mixing starch with water, milk, yoghurt or another cold food or drink. Your team should give you the amount in grams and when to take it, then adjust the plan according to your blood glucose. Some people need an overnight dose. Report bloating, wind or changes in bowel habits so the plan can be reviewed. [2]
If eating and drinking are not enough
For persistent hypoglycaemia that cannot be prevented with food and drink, the specialist team may consider feeding through a tube into the stomach or bowel. If tube feeding cannot be used, nutrition through a vein may be considered. The team should also make a plan for what to do if feeding is interrupted or access is lost. [2]
Blood glucose monitoring and weight
Your team should agree how and when you monitor your blood glucose. A continuous glucose monitor can help show patterns and warn about falling levels. Sensors can lag behind blood glucose and are less accurate at low levels, so UKINETS advises confirming a hypo with a finger prick test. [1,2]
Weight gain can occur because of the extra food needed to prevent hypos and some treatments. If this concerns you, ask your dietitian for help. UKINETS suggests that replacing some higher fat foods with lower fat options may help, while continuing the other dietary measures needed to prevent hypos. [2]
If you are having a hypo
Follow your agreed hypo treatment plan. Slower absorbed foods and starch supplements do not replace the rapid acting carbohydrate used to treat a hypo. See How to manage hypoglycaemia for treatment steps and emergency advice. [1,2]
For medicines and treatment of the insulinoma, see Insulinoma treatments.
Full references
[1] Hofland J, Falconi M, Christ E, et al. European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society 2023 guidance paper for functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour syndromes. Journal of Neuroendocrinology. 2023;35(8):e13318. Question 8, “Insulinoma”. https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.13318
[2] UK and Ireland Neuroendocrine Tumour Society (UKINETS). UKINETS Bitesize Guidance for the Nutritional Management of Insulinomas. Original guidance, pp. 1–4 as numbered in the document. Preparation date 27 November 2023; stated review date November 2025. Dietary advice and the quotation: p. 2; modified starch and nutritional support: p. 3; hypo management and weight: p. 4. Read the original UKINETS guidance.
[3] Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust. Glycaemic Index (GI). Leaflet code 01283. Published and last edited 27 June 2025. Supplementary explanation of GI and food examples. Read the NHS food guide.
Updated and checked against ENETS 2023 and the original UKINETS guidance on 27 September 2026. Online sources accessed 27 September 2026.