Human Insulin-Induced Lipoatrophy: Successful treatment using a jet-injection device

S Logwin; I Conget; M Jansa; M Vidal; C Nicolau; R Gomis

doi:10.2337/diacare.19.3.255

Case Report

Human Insulin-Induced Lipoatrophy: Successful treatment using a jet-injection device

S Logwin, MD,
I Conget, MD, PHD,
M Jansa, BN,
M Vidal, BN,
C Nicolau, MD and
R Gomis, MD, PHD

Endocrinology Unit and Radiodiagnosis Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Spain

Address correspondence and reprint requests to I. Conget, MD, Endocrinology Unit, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

Diabetes Care 1996 Mar; 19(3): 255-256. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.19.3.255

This article has a correction. Please see:

Errata - January 01, 1997

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of the administration of insulin by a jet-injector device in stopping and reversing severe human insulin-induced lipoatrophy.

CASE We report a case of a woman with severe human insulin-induced lipoatrophy who has been treated exclusively with recombinant DNA human insulin since the onset of IDDM.

RESULTS The loss of subcutaneous tissue in the injection areas was demonstrated and measured by high-frequency ultrasound. Dermatologic exam demonstrated a severe reduction of fat tissue. After 8 months of administration of human insulin by a jet injector, there were no more new lesions of lipoatrophy and those affected areas were substantially ameliorated.

CONCLUSIONS Jet-injection devices might constitute a helpful method to treat those patients affected by severe human insulin-induced lipoatrophy.