Lipid Accumulation Disorder: Origin, identification methods, and remedial measures
In the world of diabetes management, it's crucial to be aware of lipohypertrophy, a condition characterised by the abnormal growth of thickened skin tissue, often resulting from regular subcutaneous insulin injections.
Lipohypertrophy can be diagnosed through visible lumps, deep palpation examination, or ultrasonography. Several factors increase the risk of this condition, including the duration of insulin treatment, a person's age and body mass index, incorrect injections, using the same injection site each time, the frequency of needle reuse, and being a type 1 diabetes patient.
Regular checks of common injection sites can help alert a person to early signs of lipohypertrophy. To prevent its development, it's important to rotate injections within each injection site over an area the size of a postcard. Anyone who thinks they have lipohypertrophy should seek advice from their doctor on injection rotations or ask about using a different type of insulin, delivery system, or needle.
Lipohypertrophy lumps may reduce in size or disappear if the person rotates injections away from the area. Correct infusion and injection routines can affect skin health and glycemic control. If a lipohypertrophy lump continues to grow, it may have a surface area of at least 1 inch in diameter and may feel more firm or dense than other areas of the skin.
A meta-analysis in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found an increased risk of lipohypertrophy in people who reused the same needle for multiple injections.
Effective prevention of lipohypertrophy in individuals with diabetes primarily involves regular rotation of injection sites and appropriate needle size selection. Healthcare providers recommend avoiding injecting into the same spot consecutively and rotating sites weekly or more frequently if possible. Using the correct needle size as prescribed by a healthcare professional helps ensure proper insulin delivery depth and reduces tissue damage, further lowering the risk of lipohypertrophy.
Common recommended injection sites for subcutaneous insulin or similar injections like Mounjaro include the abdomen (at least 2 inches from the belly button), the front of the thighs (midway between hip and knee), and the back or outer part of the upper arms. Rotating among these prevents localized tissue changes.
A 2020 study involving 1,227 people taking insulin for type 2 diabetes showed that structural changes in aging skin might put people older than 65 years at higher risk of developing lipohypertrophy lumps.
In summary, effective lipohypertrophy prevention methods are:
- Regularly rotating injection sites, avoiding repeated injections at the exact same location.
- Using the correct needle size to minimize tissue trauma.
- Adhering to proper injection technique as guided by healthcare professionals to improve insulin absorption and glycemic control.
These practices together help maintain healthy tissue at injection sites, promote consistent insulin absorption, and support better overall diabetes management. The American Diabetes Association notes that the body absorbs insulin fastest from the abdomen, less quickly from the arm, and slowest from the buttocks and thighs.
- Seniors, especially those with type 2 diabetes, should be aware of an increased risk of lipohypertrophy due to structural changes in aging skin.
- Early signs of lipohypertrophy can be detected through visible lumps, deep palpation examination, or ultrasonography.
- To prevent lipohypertrophy, regular rotation of injection sites is crucial, with the size of a postcard serving as a guideline for the rotated area.
- Correct needle size selection is also essential for proper insulin delivery depth and minimizing tissue damage.
- Injection sites for subcutaneous insulin or similar treatments like Mounjaro include the abdomen, the front of the thighs, and the back or outer part of the upper arms.
- Common medical conditions, such as diabetes, require attention to related health and wellness aspects, including proper fitness and exercise, mental health, nutrition, skin care, and therapies and treatments.
- The American Diabetes Association suggests that the body absorbs insulin fastest from the abdomen, less quickly from the arm, and slowest from the buttocks and thighs.
- Workplace wellness programs could include education on prevention methods for conditions like lipohypertrophy, focusing on the importance of appropriate insulin delivery techniques and rotation of injection sites.
