Diabetes : What is lipodystrophy? (BD Medical - Diabetes Care)

Lipodystrophy, also known as "lipo", is a swelling of fatty tissue related to the injection of insulin.

It is more likely to occur if:

• You always inject your insulin in the same place.
• You reuse your needle.

However effective interventions are available today for the treatment and prevention of lipodystrophy.

Lipodystrophy can appear anywhere on the body where you inject insulin.

In a recent study conducted in the UK, 48% of the participants who injected insulin had lipodystrophy.

Lipos can have different shapes and sizes. They are often easier to feel than to see.

It is important to regularly examine the sites where you usually inject your insulin and look for any lump, swelling or redness of the skin and/or feel gently for any irregularity of the skin or indurated area.