Human insulin-induced lipoatrophy. Successful treatment using a jet-injection device.

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.