Lipohypertrophy

[Matt Cycle]

I've had this a fair while now (fatty lumps under the skin caused by insulin injections - sounds delightful I know 🙄) two on my abdomen and one on each thigh. Over the years I've always tried to rotate my injection sites but I suppose after this many injections it's not entirely unexpected. It can cause problems with insulin absorption but is more unsightly than anything.

I mentioned it to my DSN and she pointed out other areas to inject to avoid the lumpy bits which I've always aimed to do anyway. I've followed what she told me but I'm not sure how long any effects will be noticed. Reading up about it, it says they will reduce but give no idea on timescale. The other option apparently, even if offered which I guess is highly unlikely I wouldn't be that keen on, is liposuction. 😱

Has anyone else had lipohypertrophy and seen it reduce and how long did it take?

 

[Annette]

I have a lump on my stomach. Had it over 15 years. Doesnt appear to be going away at all. Sorry.

 

[Matt Cycle]

I'm guessing it's just one of those things. May reduce, may not. 🙄

 

[Marsbartoastie]

I have a big lump of fat on my tummy, but it aint lipohypertrophy 😛

 

[Flower]

I've got lumps on my stomach that haven't improved despite not using the sites for years, they are permanent no go zones for pump cannulas. The lumps I had on my legs from MDI have reduced slowly over the last 17 years since using a pump - so my stomach hasn't improved but my legs have. May reduce, may not sums it up nicely! 🙄

 

[AJLang]

Fortunately big touch wood my tummy is fairly ok. My legs were full of bumps 5-8 years ago so I stopped using them. I just checked and they are bump/lump free

 

[TheClockworkDodo]

One of the DSNs I saw told me if I got any lipohypertrophy to avoid injecting in that area for 6 months - not sure how random a figure this was though!

 

[Matt Cycle]

I have a big lump of fat on my tummy, but it aint lipohypertrophy 😛

Ha, I very much doubt you're alone in this.

 

[Rosiecarmel]

I remember in my first year of uni giving an injection to a patient that had had 15+ years of weekly anti psychotic injections. We always use the opposite cheek (most IM injections are given in the dorsogluteal muscle aka top of outer bum cheek!)

He had liposuction quite a few times because his bottom was very bad. Some times he couldn't even sit down because it was so uncomfortable. It was sad because we couldn't put him on any other medication and keep him stable.

Sorry I'm not much help! It probably is just a case of wait and see 🙄