Lipodystrophy from Humalog & Levemir Injections

by Linda
(New Bern, N.C., U.S.A.)

QUESTION: I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a year ago. I am a 63-year old female.

After 10 months of Humalog and Levemir use the skin around the injection sites is sunken and the fat has disappeared.

My doctors say this is very rare and likely permanent, and should consult a plastic surgeon.

Is there a way to reverse and more importantly prevent lipodystrophy at injection sites? Would an insulin pump be a solution or would lipodystrophy occur at that site too?


ANSWER: Hi Madam,

It is very good that you are paying attention to the details, because the cooperation of the patient is something important during the treatment of diabetes.

With regards to the sunken skin, it is referred to the lipodystrophy caused by injections as you know. However, there is no way for you to prevent the development of this condition.

This is because with the age, the skin becomes vulnerable and not so pliable to traumas - injections in your case.

Besides this, I have to inform you that an insulin pump will not resolve your problem, because the lipodystropy will also appear in that site as the insulin pump is also based on frequent injections according to your body needs.

In addition, you have to know that the plastic surgery is the only way for treatment. It is true that you can find on the market certain creams, but none of them has shown to be effective.

So, if you want to remove those sunken fragments of your skin, you should speak with plastic surgeon as your doctor asked you.

However, please take note that the risk to re-appear is high, which means that you might re-see them even after the operation.