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Can You Get A Tattoo If You Have Diabetes


The Importance Of Being Prepared

Myth: Diabetics cant have Tattoos.

People with diabetes can get a tattoo if they take certain precautions. It is important to verify that the selected tattoo parlour is accredited. It is also desirable to check its reputation and its hygiene and sanitary practices. In addition to the rules of hygiene* that apply to everyone, diabetic or not, it is important to have optimal control of your blood sugar before being tattooed. If your diabetes is not being properly controlled, healing can take longer and increase your risk of infection. Sometimes it is better to delay getting a tattoo than to risk complications. Optimal blood sugar control means: Your blood sugar level may rise when you are being tattooed. It usually returns to normal the next day. Areas to avoid Certain areas of the body, particularly those with restricted circulation , as well as areas where you inject insulin , should be avoided because healing will be slower: After getting a tattoo, be sure to follow the after-care advice provided by the tattoo artist to promote healing and prevent infection. *Tattoos and Piercing, an information pamphlet on the website of the Ministère de la Santé and des services sociaux: Research and text: Diabetes Québec Team of Health Care Professionals. June 2014Continue reading > >

Can People With Diabetes Get Tattoos

Can people with diabetes get tattoos? The short answer to this question is yes, with some caveats. Like anyone else, people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should take safety precautions when getting body art.

The tattooing procedure utilizes a machine that pierces the skin up to 3,000 times per minute with a sterilized needle. The needle deposits pigment in the second layer of skin, called the dermis. The skin is the largest organ of the body and its purpose is to protect the body from outside contaminants. Anytime this protective barrier is damaged, there is a risk of infection.

Anyone, diabetic or no, considering getting a new tattoo should look for a reputable, licensed tattoo artist with the highest quality sanitation practices. Nonsterile needles can transmit bacterial skin infections, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases. Contaminated tattoo inks have also caused infections in some cases, according to the FDA. You can do your homework on what kind of ink will be used by your local tattoo parlor, and check the FDA website for information about any inks that have been recalled or should otherwise be avoided.


Some people may also have an allergic reaction to ingredients in the tattoo ink, resulting in a rash, blisters, or swelling at the site. This kind of reaction can happen at any time, from immediately after you get your first tattoo to decades later.

Can You Get A Tattoo Or Piercing If Youre Diabetic

Diabetes has a lot of contraindications, but can you get a tattoo or piercing if youre diabetic?

Diabetes can affect everyday life in many ways, but luckily theres no problem if you decide to get a tattoo or piercing. Like any other person, these procedures require some basic care so that there are no complications. In the case of a diabetic person, there are some extra things that you might want to take into account. These are some of the things you need to consider if you decide to get a tattoo or piercing if youre diabetic.

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The Pop Factor: How To Make Your Tattoos Jump From Your Skin

A new tattoo should look vibrant and fresh, like a burst of color and design that pops from your skin. How long it continues to look that way depends on a lot of things and aging plays a significant role in your tattoos appearance including how well you maintain it. Weve already talked plenty about tattoo aftercare, but consistent maintenance in the weeks, months, and years after you first get a tattoo is extremely important.

Theres no set timeline for when a tattoo begins to fade because its different for every person. People age at different rates, too a quick scan of the room at your 20th high school reunion is all the proof you need. But other factors affect your tattoos vibrancy:


  • Placement Again, location matters. Tattoos on certain parts of your body will fade faster than on others, such as on your feet, fingers, and lips. Its not surprising that hands are on the fast-fade list given how often we use them each day. Also, the skin on your fingers is thinner than the skin in most other places.
  • Ink The inks color and quality also affect your tattoos fade rate. As a general rule, lighter colored ink fades faster than darker ink, especially if it stands alone. The lighter ink in most tattoos is used to highlight darker colors, however.
  • Sun Keeping your tattoo protected from the suns UV rays is crucial for it to maintain its vibrancy.

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Creating Diabetes Tattoos That Sense Changes In Blood Sugar

Can Diabetics Get Tattoos and Piercings? What to Know ...

Its not often that the words cool and diabetes get used in the same sentence, but researchers at MIT and Harvard have joined the two concepts with an idea for creating tattoos that change color based on the blood sugar level of the person wearing them.

The project has the oddly dystopian name of the Dermal Abyss and is a collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab and Harvard Medical School, according to Katia Vega, a post doctoral associate at MIT and a member of the team.

The Dermal Abyss is a proof-of-concept that illustrates the potential of culturally and medically integrated biosensors, Vega says. They are biosensor tattoos that visibly react to changes in the metabolism. The purpose of the work is to light the imagination of biotechnologists and stimulate public support for such efforts.

The tattoos they designed will not be showing up in a pharmacy or tattoo shop any time soon. The purpose of the work is to highlight a novel possibility for biosensors rather than bring a medical device to market, Vega says. As such, there are currently no plans to develop the Dermal Abyss as a product or to pursue clinical trials.


Like a hot concept car, there is real technology in the tattoos that were produced for the project. Various iterations of the tattoos sense changes not only in glucose but in pH, which can indicate dehydration and changes in sodium ion, which can give indications of hypertension.

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Tattoos And Body Piercings: A Guide For People With Diabetes

By Elisabeth Almekinder RN, BA, CDE

The best way to know if its safe for you to get a tattoo with diabetes is to see your doctor or healthcare provider. They can review your numbers, draw your A1C, and determine if your diabetes is controlled. If your diabetes is not well controlled, or if your blood pressure is elevated, you should take measures to get both within range prior to getting a tattoo.

After you are evaluated by the healthcare provider and they confirm that your diabetes is under control,you will be given clearance to get a tattoo or a piercing. It will also be a good idea to have the doctor write a note, or even a prescription, in attention of the tattoo parlor or piercing clinic that will be performing the procedure. Normally, a tattoo or piercing establishment will take the word of the client, and the forms that you fill out there should have a question about diabetes, and whether its controlled.


Your response should be honest on the form, and if your diabetes is not well-controlled, lying about it could be to your peril. The question is on the form for your own safety, Understand that it is imperative that your diabetes must be controlled, along with your blood pressure, prior to obtaining a piercing or tattoo with diabetes.

Deep Sleep Diabetes Remedy

When Scott Hansen was faced with the stark opportunity of shedding his better half to Type 2 Diabetes, he was desperate to locate a solution for her. He located a possible option when he met up with an old buddy Tom, who had actually seemingly reversed his Type 2 Diabetes, lost 40lbs and now appeared like he was 10 years younger, as well as much healthier. can you get a tattoo if you have diabetes

Tom aimed Scott in the direction of a regional doctor he had fulfilled in Thailand. It was likewise this physician that patiently discussed to Scott regarding the actual root cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus and also how to resolve it utilizing a special tea formula.

After verifying the info against available study, Scott rapidly got down to providing his better half this specific tea formula. To his joy, he saw her condition enhance. It was likewise then, that they concurred more people required this remedy. They dealt with a clinical research study and also nourishment specialist as well as fine-tuned the service right into a program: The Deep Sleep Diabetes Remedy. can you get a tattoo if you have diabetes

This value-packed program encompasses the following and also more:


  • The Diabetes-Reversing Blueprint
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    Dont Get Tattoos Or Body Piercings If You Have Skin Conditions Related To Your Diabetes

    If you have any kind of diabetic skin condition, or breaks in your skin near the area where you plan to have the tattoo placed, or where you plan to have the piercing, then you shouldnt get either procedure. People with diabetes can have a variety of skin infections, including:

    • Eyelid infections
    • Ringworm (fungus of itchy, ring-like patch of skin
    • Itching due to dry skin from diabetes, due to dehydration from high blood sugars or poor circulation
    • Vaginal internal, and external yeast infection in women
    • Yeast infection of mucous membranes of mouth, and skin

    The best way to take care of your skin if your have diabetes, and to prevent diabetes-related skin infections, is to practice good skin care. You should avoid taking prolonged baths in dry weather, and use a mild soap. Apply a non-alcohol lotion to your skin, but not between your toes. Some good ones for diabetes are, Gold Bond for Diabetes, Destin for Diabetes, and Udderly Smooth.

    Some of the diabetes skin infections that may be a reason not to get a tattoo or a body piercing are:

    How Long Exactly Should You Wait Between Tattoos

    Getting a Tattoo With Type One Diabetes
    • EMAILSHARE

    Anyone who has seen a friend get their first tattoo, then 5 more in the next month, knows tattoos can be addictive. But whether you’re working on a full body project or you’re just excited to nail down that next design and placement, you’ll need to wait until your body is ready for its next session. While your mind might be there, it’s an unfortunate fact your body might not be. So how soon is too soon for your next tattoo, and what factors do you need to consider?


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    Can Diabetics Get Tattoos

    Many diabetics can get tattoos, but you have some unique considerations. First, you need to have control over your diabetes and blood sugar levels. Then, you need to choose a reputable tattoo artist who follows standard safety procedures to protect you during the tattoo.

    As long as you work with a good tattoo artist and follow their aftercare steps, you should be able to safely get a tattoo despite having diabetes. You can get a tattoo of whatever you want, and your diabetes doesnt have to keep you from expressing yourself with a body modification.

    Why Diabetes Complications May Limit Where You Can Get Body Art

    Unfortunately, that level of under 7 is not a hard-and-fast rule. There isn’t a level at which we would say you should absolutely not get a tattoo. Thats why its a wise idea to talk to the doctor who knows you and your diabetes and how you handle it. He or she is better qualified to make an assessment of the safety risk of getting a tattoo or piercing, Ghiloni says. For instance, your A1C may be a 7.6, but your physician may say that youre completely fine to get inked. A1C isnt always the be-all-end-all indicator of diabetes management, she adds.

    Also talk to your doctor about any limitations on where you should get a tattoo or piercing. For instance, if you have any neuropathy or circulation issues in your feet or lower legs, your doctor may suggest avoiding this area. Neuropathy may mean you have a loss of sensation, so youre less likely to feel an injury or problem as quickly as you should, Ghiloni explains.


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    Take Care Of Yourself After Your Tattoo Or Piercing

    Its really important to keep a close watch on your blood sugar levels after a tattoo or piercing and keep it clean and covered. This will help it to heal well and quickly.

    If you get an infection, your blood sugar levels might rise. See your GP straight away for help if you show any signs of infection or feel unwell after a tattoo or piercing.

    They Are Kind Of Addictive

    Diabetes and Awareness Tattoos

    This might sound silly to someone who does not have a drop of ink on their body but, truth be told, they are rather addictive. Every now and then, those who consider themselves heavily tattooed will get the itch and begin planning their next one.

    There is just so much skin to cover and so many beautiful and cool pieces and ideas to cover it with! Its an expensive addiction, so be warned.


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    Getting A Tattoo With Type 1 Diabetes

    Hello everyone, welcome to my editorial My name is Stéphanie, Im 42 years old, Im a nurse, and Ive been living with Type 1 diabetes for 27 years, and I also became a mother in 2017, of a child living with T1D.

    Ive always wanted to get a tattoo. First on my shoulder, and then on my ankle. But before taking the plunge, I had a lot of questions: is it possible to get a tattoo when you are T1D? Are there any contraindications? What about the healing period?I can now tell you everything about getting a tattoo when you live with Type 1 diabetes!

    Reminder: a tattoo is a wound made on the epidermis in which ink is injected to create a nice indelible drawing.

    How To Prevent Infected Tattoos And Body Piercings

    To prevent an infection, follow all your aftercare instructions as they are given to you. Clean your site as directed, and report any of the signs and symptoms of infection listed below to your doctor.

    What to do if you have an infectionDeficient circulation and open skin can lead to an increased incidence of infection in the area where the ink is administered underneath the skin surface, or in areas where piercings procedures are done. You could take a long time to heal if your tattoo gets infected, or if your body piercing doesnt heal up like it should.


    Signs and symptoms of an infected tattoo or body piercing include:

    • Weeping at the site of the tattoo that is brown, greenish, purulent or yellow drainage, or any other color than clear
    • Redness and swelling at the site of the tattoo or body piercing
    • A fever
    • Increased pain or throbbing at the site of the tattoo or body piercing
    • Increased healing time

    If you notice any of the signs and symptoms of an infected tattoo, or if you have questions about how your tattoo is healing, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider. If your tattoo is infected, you will want to start on an antibiotic treatment right away, and not wait. If your doctor orders antibiotics to treat your infection, make sure to take it as directed, and take all the medication until it is gone. This helps prevent the development of super bacteria, that are resistant to current antibiotics available on the market.

    Medical alert tattoo

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    Can You Get A Tattoo If You Have Diabetes

    Absolutely! A person with diabetes can get a tattoo if they so desire but it is advisable that your A1c be under 8% and ideally under 7%.


    If you have had A1cs over 9%, are experiencing neuropathy, circulation or kidney problems, the University of Southern Californias REAL Diabetes program states that you could be putting your life in danger by getting a tattoo. This is because you will most likely have issues with healing that will make you more susceptible to infection and gangrene.

    Nanotechnology Tattoos And Diabetes What The Future Holds

    LA Ink – Surfer’s Diabetic ID

    In the near future, tattoos could provide an easier, quicker and more accurate way for people with diabetes to track and control their blood glucose levels.

    Over the past few years, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Draper Laboratory, American, have been developing a skin-borne continuous blood glucose monitor that consists of a tattoo of tiny particles of nanotechnology ink that are sensitive to glucose concentrations.

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    Do You Need To Talk To Your Doctor Before Getting A Tattoo

    Again, if you have been maintaining good control and have experienced no diabetes-related complications to date, you should be fine to have a tattoo applied without contacting your diabetes team. If you are unsure about your A1c or are concerned about your healing time, please consult your doctor before you begin.


    How Does Tattoo Affect A Diabetic Patient

    Getting a tattoo isnt wrong on its own. Its more about the after effects and the healing process that affects a diabetic patient while getting a tattoo. A diabetic patient should be known to the disease management issue and should possess a sound control over the blood sugar and glucose levels.

    If a diabetic patient without having proper control over their condition seeks to have a tattoo, the healing process and more can cause dangerous consequences for the person.

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