Associated conditions and other complications

Skin conditions

Lipoatrophy

• Now uncommon with the use of highly purified human insulins
• Said to be improved by injecting soluble insulin around the affected area

Lipohypertrophy

• A common problem due to repeated injection into the same site
• Insulin absorption from these areas is more erratic and unpredictable
• Improves with better rotation of injection sites

Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum

• Purplish-red slightly raised or atrophic skin lesions with occasional pale or ulcerating center (usually lower limbs)
• May be present at or before the onset of diabetes
• Cause unknown, treatment controversial and prognosis uncertain