Lipohypertrophy Caused By Insulin Injections

Lipohypertrophy is a condition that can be caused by taking insulin injections. Basically, lipohypertrophy is an accumulation of little pockets of fat just below the skin. From the outside, this condition just makes the skin look bumpy.

This is not a serious condition, but you should still consult your doctor if you notice lipohypertrophy in the areas where you typically inject your insulin. Your doctor will help you to make a plan to avoid aggravating the condition, and at the same time ensure that your insulin is absorbed quickly into your body.

The main cause of lipohypertrophy is frequent insulin injections in the same area of the body. For this reason, it is important to rotate the locations where you inject yourself to give a dose of insulin. There are several locations on the body that are acceptable for injections, including the abdomen, outer legs, and the backs of the arms. Basically, an injection can only be given in areas where the insulin will go into fat (not muscle), and where the insulin will be well-absorbed. Your doctor can explain to you the exact locations that you can use for injections.

It is also convenient to have a typical rotation schedule that you stick to. The American Diabetes Association suggests that you move at least the length of a quarter for each injection. Ask your doctor to help you make a personal plan for rotating injections. If you are faithfully rotating your injection site, the chances of developing lipohypertrophy are reduced, but it is still possible. If you do develop the condition, call your doctor for advice.

One important thing to be aware of is the fact that you should not keep injecting insulin into an area of your body that is showing lipohypertrophy. Some diabetics might try to do this if they notice that they cannot feel injections in the fat pockets. This is merely because the pockets of fat that are created in lipohypertrophy do not have nerves, so you cannot feel pain there. Although that may sound like an excellent idea to you, don’t do it! The insulin will not absorb very well in areas that have lipohypertrophy, and the absorption rates will be unpredictable as well.

So to reduce the chance of experiencing lipohypertrophy, be sure to create an injection rotation schedule and then stick to it. If you should ever notice any of the fat pockets forming, immediately switch injection sites and call your doctor for instructions. Lipohypertrophy can be a nuisance, but it is both preventable and treatable.

Next article: Erectile Dysfunction In Diabetics