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3 Tips for Getting a Tattoo With Diabetes

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3 Tips for Getting a Tattoo With Diabetes

Some tattoo artists, upon hearing that you have diabetes, are immediately wary—and some may go so far as to refuse to tattoo you. This is due in large part to misinformation or simple ignorance: many tattoo artists are unfamiliar with diabetes, and it is easier to bow out than it is to conduct research regarding diabetes and the potential side effects.

What Is Tattooing?

Tattooing is the process during which ink is deposited beneath the surface of your skin. Tattoos have come a long way. While they were once created by using a single needle and stick-and-poke techniques, tattoo machines do wonders in both minimizing bleeding and achieving smooth, clean lines.

Tattooing and Diabetes

Although there are some higher risk factors involved, the good news is that most diabetes patients are not at a drastically higher risk for complications during the healing process. Although a diabetic’s body is different from a typical body, its healing mechanisms work the same and will work to heal a tattoo similarly.

Diabetes and tattoos have even been coming into contact more frequently with the advent of medical alert tattoos, which allow emergency responders to attend to your diverse needs more efficiently.




If you are a person with diabetes, and you’re thinking of getting a tattoo, go for it; tattoos are safe for individuals with a diabetes diagnosis, provided that the parlor you are visiting is clean, the artist is properly certified, and the materials being used are sterile. To make sure your tattoo experience is a good one, there are a few rules you must follow.

#1. Get Your Blood Sugar Under Control

Failing to have your blood sugar levels under good control could result in a much slower healing process, which is dangerous because it increases the risk of infection but can also disrupt the appearance of your tattoo. Proper care protocol (and subsequent appearance) depends heavily on your immune system’s strength and ability to heal.

If you struggle to control your levels, hold off on getting a tattoo until your blood sugar has reached a more consistent, stable place.

#2. Avoid Tattoos Below the Waist

Because circulation is often a problem for individuals with diabetes, try to avoid getting tattoos below your waist, especially in the calves, ankles, and feet. While these areas can be taken care of properly, the likelihood of delayed healing is high.

#3. Equip Yourself

Pain can cause your blood sugar and blood pressure levels to waver in either direction, so prepare yourself with any medication you require, a snack, a bottle of juice, or whatever else you might need. Your health is your responsibility, not your artist’s, so make sure you are prepared for any possibility before you sit down for your first session.

Having diabetes can prevent you from doing some of the things you love, but fortunately, tattoos do not have to be one of them. With some care and precautions, you can get a tattoo and remain in excellent health.

References

Diabetes UK. Accessed 6/27/17.
Joslin. Accessed 6/27/17.