Lipohypertrophy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

How do I take care of myself?

If you have an area on your skin that might be lipohypertrophy, stop injecting into that site. Even if an injection is going to hurt more in another area, you should change the injection or pump site. Repeated injections or infusion into a lipohypertrophic area can worsen the lump, interfere with insulin absorption and lead to complications.

When should I seek medical attention?

Talk to your healthcare provider about any skin irregularities, especially if you’re having trouble controlling your blood sugar.

Lipohypertrophic skin shouldn’t be:

• Hot or warm to the touch.
• Red.
• Bruised.
• Painful.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention. It might be a sign of infection or another problem.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Repeated injections in the same area cause lipohypertrophy, a lump of fatty tissue under your skin. If you need regular insulin injections for diabetes or another medication, you should change the injection or pump site regularly. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your skin.