Whether you want to look edgy, get a piece of work that has a special meaning to you, or simply believe your body is a canvas meant to be decorated, tattoos and piercings are a means of expressing oneself. Everybody should have the right to express themselves freely. However, to those living with diabetes there may be some hesitation when it comes to getting inked or having a piercing needle pushed through your body. At DMP, we want to tell you that you don’t have to be afraid!
Simply put, those living with diabetes can enjoy tattoos and piercings as much as the rest of the population. Here are a few simple steps to ensure that your tattoos and piercing heals properly and quickly!
Make sure you have your blood sugar levels in check
Many people with diabetes are already used to needles, but before you get jabbed with a piercing needle or the repetitively from the needles of a tattoo gun make sure your blood sugar levels are well managed! The reasoning behind this is if your blood sugar levels are not managed it can result in the tattoo or piercing not healing properly or quickly, making you prone to infection. In order to avoid this, talk to your doctor about managing your blood sugar. Make sure your blood sugar levels have stayed within a good range for some time before sitting down to get inked or before getting a piercing.
Bring snacks and take breaks
Depending on the size or complexity of a tattoo, it can be a long process and quite painful. Let your tattoo artist know you have diabetes, and make sure to take breaks in between your tattoo session. It might result in having to schedule more than one session to complete your tattoo, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution. During the breaks in a tattoo session, monitor your blood sugar and make sure to bring snacks and medication that can help you if you find your blood sugar levels getting too high or low.
Follow the aftercare instructions
Many people get tattoos or piercings not taking into consideration the aftercare involved. For piercings especially it can take months to heal. It can be easy to abandon these aftercare instructions the minute it seems your piercing/tattoo is healing but it is important to follow all aftercare instructions until your tattoo or piercing is healed. Piercings heal from the outside in, which means that just because it looks healed doesn’t mean it is.
That’s it! As we mentioned, having diabetes does not mean you can’t enjoy getting inked or getting new piercings. Just monitor your blood sugars and be sure to let the artist/piercer know about your diabetes while you are undergoing the process. Aftercare is crucial, so don’t cut corners! These simple steps are all you need!
Carolina Clarke
Carolina Clarke is the marketing copywriter at The Diabetes App. She is passionate about social issues, travel, and fitness. She is a diabetes supporter and is dedicated to providing those living with diabetes with resources to help manage their diabetes. A desire to help is at the forefront of everything she writes.
