Prevalence and factors affecting Lipohypertrophy in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Aim: To study the frequency of lipohypertrophy and to assess factors affecting lipohypertrophy in patients with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Method: We screened 85 outpatients with type 1 diabetes mellitus at an annual diabetes education camp for presence of lipohypertrophy by inspection and palpation. They were also asked to fill a questionnaire which included information on various factors affecting lipohypertrophy.

Result: Out of the total 85 patients that we screened 55(64.7%) had lipohypertrophy and 30 (35.3%) did not have lipohypertrophy. Mean HbA1c of those with lipohypertrophy was higher (8.32 ± 1.48) compared to those without lipohypertrophy (7.73 ± 0.97). We found a significant correlation between lipohypertrophy and the following factors: 1) Needle length 2) Site rotation 3) Knowledge about lipohypertrophy and why it occurs.

Conclusion: Patients with lipohypertrophy had poorer glycaemic control compared to those without lipohypertrophy. Presence of lipohypertrophy had a significant correlation with the length of the needle, site rotation and knowledge of the patient about lipohypertrophy