lipohypertrofiaa

Lipohypertrophy (sometimes rendered in other languages as lipohypertrofia) is a localized thickening or accumulation of subcutaneous fat that most commonly develops at repeated injection sites. It is frequently seen in people who inject insulin, but can also occur with other subcutaneously administered peptide drugs. The condition reflects a localized anabolic response of adipose tissue to repeated exposure and minor trauma.

Clinically, lipohypertrophic areas appear as soft to firm, rubbery nodules or plaques beneath the skin and may be detected by inspection and palpation. Affected sites can produce unpredictable absorption of injected medications, contributing to glycemic variability, unexplained hypo- or hyperglycemia, and increased insulin requirements.

Diagnosis is usually clinical; ultrasound can confirm and characterize lesions when necessary. Management focuses on prevention and correction of injection technique: regular rotation of injection sites, appropriate needle length and depth, avoidance of injections into affected areas, and patient education. In many cases the tissue softens and partially regresses over months after cessation of injections at that site. Persistent or large lesions may be treated surgically for cosmetic or symptomatic reasons, but excision is uncommon.

Epidemiologically, lipohypertrophy is a common complication among people using long-term subcutaneous injections, with prevalence estimates varying by population and detection methods. Awareness, routine site inspection, and education are central to reducing incidence and minimizing its metabolic consequences.