Don't Forget to Rotate Your Sub-Q Injection Sites
In principle, an injection site should be changed each and every time. A good rotation system should allow a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks before returning to a used site again. A new site must be at least 2.5 centimeters (one inch) away from a previously used injection site. By not following these simple rules seriously, a tissue trauma may occasionally occur. A change in the subcutaneous fat at the site of the injection, is called "lipoatrophy" which takes the appearance of a depression in the skin overlaying the muscle, and ranges from a dimple-like size to quite a large area.
Also "hypertrophy" another skin-tissue reaction which causes the skin to swell to a spongy consistency at and around an injection site. The injection site remains painless so the diabetic may be tempted to subject this area to repeated injections. However, the absorption and distribution of the injected insulin is slower and less complete at this site and the amount of the effective dose utilized is questionable.
Due to the uncertain efficiency of an insulin dose, diabetic patients are always advised, - by their doctor or health professional - to avoid hypertrophied sites until the affected area returns to a normal appearance and texture.
Both lipoatrophy and hypertrophy may occur simultaneously. To promote an even and steady absorption and distribution of the injected substances throughout your body, doctors, nurses and other health care professionals are advising you strongly to rotate you injection sites on a regular basis.