What is it about?
“Our study in Tanzania found that many diabetic patients using insulin develop skin problems like abscesses (22%) and scars (47%) at injection sites. We linked these issues to poor injection techniques, not rotating injection sites, and uncontrolled blood sugar. Using insulin pens instead of syringes greatly reduced abscess risk. We recommend better patient education on correct injection practices to prevent these complications.”
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Why is it important?
This study is critical because it addresses a common but often overlooked complication of insulin therapy: skin-related adverse events such as abscesses and scars at injection sites. In Tanzania—a setting representative of many low- and middle-income countries with rising diabetes prevalence—we found that nearly a quarter of patients developed abscesses and almost half had scarring. These complications are preventable yet significantly impact treatment adherence, insulin absorption, and long-term glycemic control. Our findings highlight modifiable risk factors, including improper injection technique, poor site rotation, and uncontrolled blood glucose, which can be corrected through targeted patient education and clinical support. We also demonstrated that using insulin pens greatly reduces the risk of abscesses, offering a tangible intervention to enhance treatment safety. By bringing these issues to light, our research supports global efforts to make insulin therapy safer, more effective, and more patient-centered, especially in regions where diabetes management resources are limited.
Perspectives
From a clinical perspective, this study provides actionable evidence for healthcare providers to improve insulin administration practices. It underscores the need for routine assessment of injection technique, structured education on site rotation, and closer monitoring of glycemic control to prevent skin complications. From a patient perspective, the findings empower individuals with knowledge about how proper injection practices can prevent painful and disfiguring skin reactions, thereby improving their confidence and adherence to insulin therapy. From a policy and public health perspective, the research highlights gaps in pharmacovigilance and diabetes care infrastructure in low-resource settings. It advocates for broader access to safer insulin delivery devices (like pens) and integration of injection safety into national diabetes management guidelines. Lastly, from a global health research perspective, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on diabetes care in sub-Saharan Africa and emphasizes the importance of context-specific interventions to reduce treatment-related harms and advance health equity in chronic disease management.
Dennis Mbwambo
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Health Sciences (MUHAS)
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Skin-related adverse events and their associated factors among Diabetic patients on insulin therapy, PLOS One, February 2026, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320556.
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