Insulin-induced Lipoatrophy in a Patient on Insulin Analogue Therapy: a Case Report

Abstract

Insulin-induced lipoatrophy is a rare skin complication in patients with diabetes mellitus. It is characterized primarily by localized subcutaneous atrophy of the fatty tissue at the site of frequent insulin injection. We report a clinical case of a 38-year-old woman with lipoatrophy, developed during treatment with insulin analogues. Lipoatrophic zone formation began 3 months after the treatment was initiated. A lipoatrophic defect developed on the thighs and the upper outer arms, resulting from repeated insulin injections at the same site. Regarding lipoatrophic areas, treatment with topical administration of corticosteroids was attempted but without a significant clinical effect. The best prevention from lipoatrophy development is education of patients regarding rotation of insulin injection sites and more frequent needle change.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• insulin analogues
• lipoatrophy