Diabetes : Reuse and lipodystrophy (BD Medical - Diabetes Care)

 
 

Key points to avoid lipodystrophy
Rotation programme
Reuse and lipodystrophy

Whatever the insulin device used, reuse can bend the needle into the shape of a hook. When removing the reused needle after injection, the hook lacerates the tissue, causing microtrauma at the injection point.

There is increasing evidence that this microtrauma is involved in the formation of lipodystrophy (also know as lipos).


NB. It is therefore very important that in addition to an appropriate site rotation programme, you use a new needle for each injection.