Borderline diabeties and Tatoos

[Lulu Rodriguez]

I have been told i am borderline diabetic and have more testing in about 4 months. I want to get a tatoo but i need to know if that's ok to do?

[JDRF-VOL-RL]

Hi, Lulu.  As long as you don't plan on doing shots or infusion sites anywhere near the location of the tattoo, it should be just fine.  The general risk is the same as with non-diabetics, namely infections.

[TS1127]

Check with your Dr.  I just recently asked mine about a tatoo, he siad O.K. and wrote a script for antibiotics, since we have to be careful of infection. also do your home work on the place doing the tat. do not jump into it. i have been a diabetic for 37 yrs & insulin dependant for 33 yrs. i myself ALWAYS run things past my Dr. i don't take any chances.  good luck

[khicktx]

About the antibiotics and statements above:

I am diabetic and have 2 tatoos, one that is of a fairly good size. I just made sure that my tatoos (when fresh) stayed clean and well moisturized. I used Dial soap in the shower to keep bacteria out. But DONT keep it covered after the first bandage comes off, that can create a wonderful home for a Staph infection.

The doctor is right about the antibiotics, I mean (s)he is a doctor, and diabetics are more prone to infection. However, talk to the tatoo artist before you get one. They can give you insight also. For instance, the reason alot of people wont do tatoos on someone intoxicated is because they may bleed more. You may want to ask the tatoo artist about the antibiotics before having them prescribed and before starting them. Antibiotics do different things and you'd hate to be all bloody when getting a tatoo because of them. I'd talk to the tatoo artist first, they give free advice and have dealt with people of all shapes,sizes and those who have disease. Then visit with your doctor.

Oh, and on a lighter note, remember tatoos are forever! Choose wisely!

[Jar123]

does high glucose levels have anything to do with your menstral cycle? i have had high a1c's for a long time now and have not had my period in a long time. is this why? if i go on birth control would it regulate this?

[JDRF-VOL-SG]

Jar123, can you do us a favor and post this question as a NEW question so it starts a separate discussion thread? It is a good question and will be more searchable for visitors to this site if it starts a separate discussion from the one about tattoos. Thanks a bunch!