Which action best reduces the risk of lipodystrophy in insulin therapy?

Which action best reduces the risk of lipodystrophy in insulin therapy?

• A. Rotate injection sites
• B. Use fixed site
• C. Use larger needle
• D. Mix insulins in the same syringe

Answer: (A)

Rotating injection sites helps prevent lipodystrophy by avoiding repeated trauma and continuous insulin exposure to the same small area. Lipodystrophy, especially lipohypertrophy, is a localized change in fat tissue that can develop when injections are given repeatedly in the same spot. Once these tissue changes occur, insulin absorption becomes irregular, leading to unpredictable blood glucose control and potential episodes of hypo- or hyperglycemia. By varying injections across different sites and within larger regions (abdomen, thighs, arms, buttocks) and avoiding scarred or hardened tissue, the tissue has a chance to recover and maintains more consistent absorption. The other options don’t address the underlying tissue changes: sticking to a fixed site perpetuates damage; using a larger needle can increase tissue injury; and mixing insulins in the same syringe doesn’t prevent lipodystrophy and can introduce dosing complications.

Rotating injection sites helps prevent lipodystrophy by avoiding repeated trauma and continuous insulin exposure to the same small area. Lipodystrophy, especially lipohypertrophy, is a localized change in fat tissue that can develop when injections are given repeatedly in the same spot. Once these tissue changes occur, insulin absorption becomes irregular, leading to unpredictable blood glucose control and potential episodes of hypo- or hyperglycemia. By varying injections across different sites and within larger regions (abdomen, thighs, arms, buttocks) and avoiding scarred or hardened tissue, the tissue has a chance to recover and maintains more consistent absorption. The other options don’t address the underlying tissue changes: sticking to a fixed site perpetuates damage; using a larger needle can increase tissue injury; and mixing insulins in the same syringe doesn’t prevent lipodystrophy and can introduce dosing complications.