Lipohypertrophy is a lump of fatty tissue that develops under the skin due to repeated injections in the same area. It's most commonly seen in people with diabetes who require regular insulin injections. This buildup of fat tissue can impact the body's ability to absorb insulin effectively, potentially leading to complications in managing blood sugar levels.
Understanding Lipohypertrophy
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Cause: Repeated injections of medication, such as insulin, in the same location cause the body to build up fatty tissue in that area. This creates a noticeable lump or hardened area under the skin. [Multiple sources corroborate this, including Cleveland Clinic, WebMD, and Verywell Health.]
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Symptoms: The primary symptom is a visible lump or thickening of the skin at the injection site. This lump may be firm or hard to the touch. [CommonSpirit Health and Healthline confirm this.]
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Who is affected?: Individuals with diabetes who inject insulin are most commonly affected. However, it can occur with any regular injections. [Multiple sources confirm this high prevalence among diabetics.]
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Impact on Insulin Absorption: Lipohypertrophy can impair the absorption of insulin, leading to inconsistent blood sugar levels and difficulties in managing diabetes. [The NCBI article (PMC7862817) discusses the impact on insulin release.]
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Prevention: Rotating injection sites is crucial for preventing lipohypertrophy. Avoiding repeated injections in the same area minimizes the risk of fat buildup. [Alberta Health Services strongly advocates for this preventative measure.]
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Treatment: While small cases may resolve on their own over time, larger or problematic cases might require medical intervention. Treatment options may vary based on the severity of the condition. [Medical News Today mentions that some may resolve on their own.]
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Severity: The severity can range from small, barely noticeable lumps to larger, more significant areas of fat buildup. [PMC9508591 describes it as a "benign tumor-like swelling of fat tissue."]
Improving Injection Technique
Using proper injection techniques, including rotating injection sites and utilizing appropriate needle sizes, helps to minimize the risk of lipohypertrophy. A study (PubMed 34407260) highlighted the benefits of using 4mm pen needles and providing education on proper injection techniques to reduce the occurrence of complications.
