June 29, 1999
Blood Tests and Insulin Injections
Question from Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA:
My mom, 54, was diagnosed as having type 1 diabetes last year. She injects about 42 units insulin per day. In the last 3 months, she found serious large areas lipoatrophy (fat loss) around her injection places. Her glucose level is well controlled.
What are the reasons for the lipoatrophy? Are there any way to avoid the lipoatrophy or reduce the symptoms?
Answer:
Lipoatrophy is due to the death of fat cells in the subcutaneous skin after repeated insulin injections. The only way to help heal the areas is to change injection sites for a long time, and avoid the atrophic area(s). In the past, we also advised to use very few units of human Regular insulin (such as 1-2 units) directly into the lipoatrophy areas in order to stimulate new fat cell to grow.
She should ask her doctor for advice.
MS
