Incidence of lipohypertrophy in diabetic patients and a study of influencing factors

This study examines the incidence of lipohypertrophy in diabetic individuals as well as the factors that have an influence on causing this condition. In consideration of the period of development of lipohypertrophy, the research sampling consisted of 215 diabetics who had been using insulin for at least 2 years. Observation and palpation techniques were used in assessing lipohypertrophy in these diabetics. Data were evaluated using percentages, chi(2) and logistic regression analysis. Results of the study established lipohypertrophy in 48.8% of the individuals comprising the sampling. It was seen that the incidence of lipohypertrophy in these individuals was affected by their level of education, the frequency that they changed needles, the frequency of changing their injection sites and the amount of time they had been using insulin, the difference proving to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, it was found that the amount of time insulin had been used (p = 0.001), the frequency of changing injection sites (p = 0.004) and the frequency of changing needles (p = 0.004) had an influence on the development of lipohypertrophy. These results show that the amount of time insulin is used and the procedure for injection both affect the development of lipohypertrophy. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.