What is the difference between lipodystrophy and lipohypertrophy?
Lipodystrophy is a disorder afflicting subcutaneous fat and can result in lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy. Before the advent of recombinant human insulin, insulin-induced lipoatrophy was a common problem among insulin users. Lipoatrophy is a clinical condition characterized by localized loss of subcutaneous fat.
How does insulin cause lipohypertrophy?
Lipohypertrophy is thought to be the direct anabolic effect of insulin on local skin leading to fat and protein synthesis9 and hence this is observed even with recombinant insulin preparations and continuous insulin infusion pumps. This complication occurs because of repeated injections at the same site.
How do I get rid of insulin bumps on my stomach?
Moving forward, before you inject insulin or insert a new infusion set, take a moment to firmly stroke the areas in a sweeping motion to feel for any lumps. If you find that you have areas on your body that have lumps and bumps, then allow them to heal before using them again.
How do you test for lipohypertrophy?
The signs of lipohypertrophy (lumpy skin) are a raised area of the skin where you tend to inject. The raised area may cover quite a wide area, say over an inch in diameter. The skin will usually feel firmer than the skin elsewhere on your body.
Is lipohypertrophy reversible?
It’s common for lipohypertrophy to go away on its own if you avoid injecting in the area. In time, the bumps may get smaller. Avoiding the injection site is one of the most important parts of treatment for most people.
How do you get rid of lipohypertrophy?
Treatments for lipohypertrophy include:
- Stopping injecting the affected area until it heals.
- Using a new needle for every injection.
- Rotating the injection site.
- Changing your treatment to short-acting insulin.
How do you get rid of diabetic Lipohypertrophy?
Is there a cure for lipodystrophy?
Lipodystrophy is a progressive and life-threatening disease. Currently, there is no cure for lipodystrophy. Metabolic comorbidities must be treated to manage the short- and long-term complications of the disease.
Can you get rid of Lipohypertrophy?
Treating lipohypertrophy It’s common for lipohypertrophy to go away on its own if you avoid injecting in the area. In time, the bumps may get smaller. Avoiding the injection site is one of the most important parts of treatment for most people.
Does insulin make your belly bigger?
And research shows that protein intake may be related to lower waist circumference. Eat 3 to 4 ounces of salmon and other fatty fish, such as tuna and sardines, several times a week. “Lean proteins help promote fullness and help with weight loss while not affecting insulin levels,” says White.
How do you get rid of Hyperlipotrophy?
What does Lipohypertrophy feel like?
The physical symptoms of lipohypertrophy include swollen, hard, lumpy deposits of fat and scar tissue under the skin. The skin area may also feel firmer than other areas. 1 These areas should not be warm or painful.
What does it mean to have lipohypertrophy on your skin?
Lipohypertrophy is the medical term for the abnormal growth of thickened skin tissue. It typically occurs when people get regular subcutaneous injections in the same area of skin — for example, when a person with diabetes gets regular insulin injections. The lumps are not malignant.
How is lipohypertrophy treated in people with diabetes?
Lipohypertrophy is a common skin condition that affects people with diabetes who are taking insulin. Although it can cause glucose variability and be frustrating, it can be prevented and treated. Proper site rotation and spacing, injection technique, and use of new needles are all important in prevention.
Who is at increased risk for lipohypertrophy?
For example, if someone is injecting long-acting insulin into an affected area, the insulin can remain at the site for longer periods of time, resulting in hyperglycemia. While the insulin remains in the site, it can further enhance lipohypertrophy. People with diabetes who take insulin are at an increased risk of lipohypertrophy.
What happens to blood sugars with lipohypertrophy?
If someone with diabetes has lipohypertrophy and continues to inject insulin into the affected tissue or uses that site for an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor, they can have erratic blood sugars due to changes in insulin absorption. Blood sugar variability will depend on the amount and type of insulin used.