What is a common injection-site complication of insulin therapy?

What is a common injection-site complication of insulin therapy?

• A. Lipohypertrophy
• B. Edema
• C. Nausea
• D. Alopecia

Answer: (A)

Repeated insulin injections into the same spot can cause lipohypertrophy, a buildup of fat tissue under the skin. This happens because insulin has an anabolic effect on fat and the repeated needle trauma to the same area leads to localized fat accumulation, forming firm or lumpy patches. Lipohypertrophy can alter how quickly or slowly insulin is absorbed from that site, which often results in unpredictable blood glucose readings and management challenges. To prevent it, rotate injection sites systematically across different areas (such as abdomen, thigh, arm, and buttocks) and avoid using the same exact spot repeatedly for extended periods. Regularly check the skin for new lumps and adjust practice if needed. Edema, nausea, and alopecia are not injection-site complications. Edema can occur with insulin therapy due to broader fluid shifts or rapid glycemic changes, but it is not a localized site issue. Nausea is a gastrointestinal symptom not tied to where injections are given, and alopecia is hair loss from other causes.

Repeated insulin injections into the same spot can cause lipohypertrophy, a buildup of fat tissue under the skin. This happens because insulin has an anabolic effect on fat and the repeated needle trauma to the same area leads to localized fat accumulation, forming firm or lumpy patches. Lipohypertrophy can alter how quickly or slowly insulin is absorbed from that site, which often results in unpredictable blood glucose readings and management challenges. To prevent it, rotate injection sites systematically across different areas (such as abdomen, thigh, arm, and buttocks) and avoid using the same exact spot repeatedly for extended periods. Regularly check the skin for new lumps and adjust practice if needed.

Edema, nausea, and alopecia are not injection-site complications. Edema can occur with insulin therapy due to broader fluid shifts or rapid glycemic changes, but it is not a localized site issue. Nausea is a gastrointestinal symptom not tied to where injections are given, and alopecia is hair loss from other causes.