Development of a Checklist for the Detection of Lipohypertrophy at Insulin Injection Sites

Abstract

Lipohypertrophy refers to the phenomenon of subcutaneous fatty tissue becoming either softer or firmer than normal so that it becomes thickened. The presence of lipohypertrophy is associated with not rotating injection sites correctly, injecting into the same sites repeatedly, using smaller injection zones, and reusing needles. Injecting into lipohypertrophy sites can cause unexplained hypoglycemia because insulin absorption is delayed or erratic, thus potentially worsening glucose levels and even diabetes management. Therefore, developing a lipohypertrophy checklist for patients who inject insulin is necessary to detect lipohypertrophy as soon as possible in order to avoid repeatedly injecting into lipohypertrophy sites. A lipohypertrophy checklist will help patients maintain stable glucose levels by minimizing the risk of glycemic variability.