Ultrasound detection of insulin‐induced lipohypertrophy in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Aims To define standard criteria for the detection of lipohypertrophy using ultrasonography and to determine the accuracy of this method. Method Individuals using insulin therapy for ≥2 years with unknown lipohypertrophy status were enrolled at a diabetes education centre. A team of diabetes educator nurses performed a clinical examination for evidence of lipohypertrophy and a separate team of ultrasonographers examined participants in a blinded fashion. Results The echo signature for lipohypertrophy consisted of location in the subcutaneous layer and lesions that were 1) well circumscribed either by hyperechoic foci with defined borders or a nodular shape with a hypoechoic halo, 2) heterogeneous in echotexture compared with surrounding tissue, 3) associated with distortion of surrounding connective tissue with 4) absence of vascularity and 5) absence of capsule. Ultrasonography identified individuals with lipohypertrophy significantly more frequently than inspection or palpation (P