Why is it important to rotate insulin injection sites?

Rotating insulin injection sites is crucial primarily to prevent irritation and tissue damage. When insulin is injected repeatedly into the same area, it can lead to lipohypertrophy, which is the thickening or lumping of fat under the skin. This can create localized areas that do not absorb insulin effectively, which can lead to erratic blood glucose levels. Additionally, consistent use of the same site can cause irritation to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to discomfort and potential complications.

While other options present valid points, they do not capture the primary reason for site rotation as thoroughly. For instance, increasing the absorption rate might be a consideration, but it's more about ensuring effective absorption across different sites rather than changing the rate at which insulin is absorbed. Similarly, minimizing pain during injection could be a benefit of rotating sites, but it is not the main focus. Improving insulin efficacy relates more to overall management of diabetes rather than the local effects of consistent sampling at a single site. Therefore, the significance of rotating injection sites lies in maintaining healthy skin integrity and ensuring consistent insulin absorption.