Consequences of multiple use of pen needles

What is lipohypertrophy?

  • This means changes, hardening of the subcutaneous fatty tissue.

What causes lipohypertrophy?

  • The re-use of damaged pen needles can lead to skin and tissue injuries.
  • This, together with frequent injections in so-called "favourite sites", can lead to lipohypertrophy.

What are the consequences of lipohypertrophy?

  • This can lead to unexplainable blood glucose fluctuations.
  • Injections into hardened tissue affect insulin absorption making the insulin dose effectiveness difficult to calculate.

How can lipohypertrophy be avoided?

  • Use a new pen needle for every injection.
  • Change the injection site after every injection (rotation principle).
  • Check injection sites regularly and consult your healthcare professional in case of conspicuous occurences.
Examples of lipohypertrophy
Examples of lipohypertrophy
Examples of lipohypertrophy
Examples of lipohypertrophy

Recommendation

Lipohypertrophy can often be felt better than seen!