Summary
In a cross-sectional study the frequency of insulin-induced lipohypertrophy at injection
sites was assessed in 223 type 1 and 56 type 2 diabetic patients. 64 (28.7%) of the
subjects with type 1 diabetes, but only 2 (3.6%) of those with type 2 diabetes presented
clinical evidence of lipohypertrophy. In every second affected type 1 diabetic patient
lipohypertrophy developed within 2 years after starting insulin therapy. The occurrence
of lipohypertrophy was independent of the insulin source and mode of therapy. In a
multivariate logistic regression analysis young age, low body mass index, abdominal
injection site and, particularly, missing rotation of injection site were significant
independent risk factors for the presence of insulin-induced lipohypertrophy. Avoidance
of such areas led to a partial or full remission of tissue swellings in 6 of 11 cases
under observation for one year. In conclusion, lipohypertrophy is still a frequent
complication of insulin therapy. To prevent such local skin reactions insulin-treated
patients should be more intensively trained to regularly change injection sites.
Key words
Diabetes mellitus - lipohypertrophy - insulin therapy
