Can Diabetics Get Tattoos? – Risks, Effect & Safety
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Tattoos are the mainstay, and almost everybody wants to have one tattoo, if not many. However, some suffering from medical ailments, such as Diabetes, often avoid getting tattoos thinking it could be a problem for them. If you also think the same, then scroll down to read the full post.
Here we are sharing whether or not Diabetics can get tattoos.
Let’s get started…
Diabetes is, of course, one of the most severe diseases. Diabetes, on the other hand, does not preclude you from getting a tattoo. Before getting a tattoo, all you need to do is make sure you’re healthy and your Diabetes is under control.
Tattoos are a popular body art form that involves injecting ink under the skin with needles. Tattooing affects the second layer of the skin, that is, the dermis. Piercing skin at this level poses special risks to people with Diabetes. For instance, high blood sugar levels can affect your immune system, putting you at a higher risk of infection and making it more difficult to fight it off. People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are highly likely to contract an infection.
Furthermore, high blood sugar levels can impede healing. When a person gets a tattoo, his or her blood sugar level may rise. This is why it is critical to keep blood sugar and blood pressure levels within the recommended target ranges.
Another critical factor to consider is the tattoo’s size. Tattooing takes time, especially when a large piece of body art is involved. If your blood sugar levels are high, you may become stressed during the process. So, make sure you’re stable before the process begins.
Next is the placement of your tattoo.
Yes, the placement of your tattoo can play a significant role in determining whether or not a diabetic can get a tattoo.
Places that a Diabetic should avoid getting tattoos on include:
- Arms
- Abdomen
- Ankles
- Butts
- Feet
- Shins
- Thighs
All of these areas are either poor circulation areas or are common insulin injection sites. Getting tattoos one these areas can cause the healing process to take longer, further leading to infections.
After reading this long, you must be wondering about the risks, effects, and safety of a Diabetic having a tattoo. Well, we’ll discuss the same here; continue reading…
RISKS
The following are the primary risks of getting a tattoo:
Skin infection – if the tattoo studio and/or tattoo equipment are not clean, or if proper aftercare is not taken, the tattooed area of skin may become infected.
Allergic reactions: You may have an allergic reaction to the inks and equipment.
Prolonged healing – abnormally high blood glucose levels may cause tattooed skin to heal slowly and increase the risk of infection.
Keloids: Tattooing can result in the formation of Keloids. Keloids are a kind of raised scar that appears on the skin. They appear after the skin has healed from an injury. They have the potential to grow much larger than the original injury that caused the scar. They are extremely rare but are irritable and slightly painful.
Blood-borne diseases – if your tattoo studio doesn’t use sterilized equipment, such as the needle, you are highly likely to contract blood-borne illnesses like HIV and Hepatitis B or C.
EFFECTS
Of course, the end result will be negative. If a person experiences any of the risks listed above, he or she will be disappointed and have regrets.
In that case, you may even want to get rid of your tattoo, which is another difficult task. Having a tattoo removed is far more difficult and costly than having one applied.
Does it mean that a Diabetic can’t get a tattoo?
Not at all; it doesn’t at all mean that a Diabetic can’t get a tattoo. We’re telling you the risks and effects so that you’re aware of them and make sure to take all necessary precautions. Here are some safety measures that you should definitely take before you get a tattoo.
SAFETY MEASURES
1. Consult your doctor before getting a tattoo.
The first and foremost thing that a Diabetic person should do before getting a tattoo is to consult his doctor. It is critical to discuss your specific case with your doctor. They can assess your individual risk and accordingly guide you on whether or not you should get a tattoo.
Moreover, involving your doctor could help you avoid future problems. Remember that tattoos look gorgeous on the body, but a healthy body is even imperative.
2. Have your blood sugar levels under control.
Do not ever get a tattoo with high blood sugar levels. It can be risky. Your blood sugar tests and hemoglobin A1C (a blood test that determines your average blood sugar levels over the previous three months), must be within the target range. Your hemoglobin A1C level not exceed 7% when you’re getting a tattoo.
3. Find a reputable tattoo studio.
DO NOT EVER GET YOUR TATTOO FROM A RANDOM TATTOO STUDIO. Getting a tattoo from a reputable studio and experienced tattoo artist is of utmost importance. Therefore, finding a reputable studio before you get your tattoo IS A MUST. We understand that it’s not easy to determine which establishments are truly reputable and licensed. However, good research work always pays.
Spend some time searching for a reputable studio. You can even ask for recommendations. Asking for references and reading prospective tattoo studios’ reviews and feedback online can help you find a good place. Make sure you meet them in person and inquire about their equipment and sanitation practices.
4. Be wary of the tattoo placement.
Tattoos can be etched on any part of the body, but a diabetic cannot have tattoos on all of them. They must exercise extreme caution when it comes to tattoo placement, as there are some areas where they are not permitted to have tattoos.
Get your tattoo etched somewhere that isn’t prone to infection. Feet, shins, ankles, and buttocks have poor blood circulation, which make them more vulnerable to infection.
5. Avoid getting a tattoo on a whim.
Know that hasty decisions are not wise decisions. Your tattoo should be a well-thought-out decision to avoid regrets and disappointments. Keep in mind that a permanent tattoo will be with you for the rest of your life. And rushing through it is a waste of money, time, and, of course, effort.
Consider where, when, and what you want to put on your body. Allow yourself some time. Consider each point carefully before deciding whether or not you want one.
6. Think, rethink, and think again.
If you get a well-thought-out tattoo, you’ll never have disappointments. So, give yourself time. Get your tattoo when you’re ready for it.
7. Take very good care of your health.
Diabetes, without a doubt, is one of the major ailments that prevent people from doing so many things. Taking good care of your health and following your doctor’s advice, on the other hand, can help you live a normal life while having any tattoo.
Also Read: Is Getting A Tattoo While Pregnant Safe?
Wrapping it up…
So the question is whether or not diabetics can get tattoos. Hopefully, this article has been informative and will assist you in making an informed decision. By taking the necessary precautions, you can be certain that you are making a rational decision about tattoos and the risks associated with Diabetes.
Stay healthy, stay happy!
Cheers,
Happy Tattooing… ☺ ☺
