Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore barriers to preventing lipohypertrophy for individuals with diabetes. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive design was used. METHODS: 17 individuals with diabetes with LH were interviewed face-to-face in individual semi-structured interviews. Qualitative content analysis was used, and data saturation was achieved. RESULTS: The analysis yielded three primary themes with eight subthemes: lack of knowledge (insufficient health education, forgetfulness, and misconceptions), limited feasibility (several limitations in site rotation, financial pressures in needle replacement, and failure to self-monitor flat LH), and low motivation (low perceived severity and low perceived susceptibility). CONCLUSION: Identifying these barriers provides patients with targeted recommendations or measures to improve LH prevention, further improving self-management at home and diabetes outcomes. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: LH is a common insulin therapy complication that affects insulin absorption and glycemic control. The correct injection technique for preventing LH depends on the effectiveness of insulin therapy in individuals with diabetes. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: 17 individuals with type 2 diabetes who participated in the interviews contributed to this study.