Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bec on February 9, 2012 at 2:12pm

Make sure you have someone with you who understands YOUR diabetes or if your tattoo artist is familiar and you are comfortable with them...my tattoo artist is a friend, who understands my T1D, so that comfort is a really great start.
Bring your prefered treatment for a low - if you do not usually bring something with you when you go out.
Make sure you do not over commit yourself - how long did they anticipate the sitting would be? Where are you getting the piece?
All that said (and asked) - I have several tattoos - last year I embarked on a 2 month process and had my whole back done (several 2-3 hour sittings). I've never encountered any troubles during any of my tattoos nor did I ever experience any difficulties with healing (I suggest Herbacin Kamille Soft Hand Cream). Just follow the instructions your artist gives you :)
Good luck!!

Permalink Reply by Jesus Ingles on February 9, 2012 at 2:42pm

Thanks for the advice, I plan to take my brother with me, as a matter of fact, he offered to go with me even before I asked him. I don't know the artist personally, but I know that he has been on the same location for several years (just a block away from my work). I told him that I was a diabetic and he said that would not be a problem, he has worked on diabetics before. I was told that the process would take a couple of hours. I will get the tattoo on my upper arm at shoulder level.

Permalink Reply by TheOneType on February 11, 2012 at 1:24pm

what Bec said lol :)

I noticed that I got very nervous before my tattoo and started getting very thirsty I checked my cgm & it was showing a good number but telling me it was heading to the highs so I checked my blood sugar and sure enough I was high. I guess all those nerves made me go high but try to stay calm so your sugars wont go high or low, I know easier said than done right! good luck you should post a pic of it when you get it :)

Permalink Reply by Jesus Ingles on February 11, 2012 at 3:13pm

Thanks, I will try to stay calm and check my BG levels before, maybe during, and definitely after. And I will post a picture once I get it.

Permalink Reply by Bec on February 12, 2012 at 4:14pm

Checking is totally a good idea - where you are getting your tat shouldn't hurt that much, it is what is known as an 'easy' spot ;)
And like OneType said, good luck and post pics!

Permalink Reply by Jesus Ingles on February 12, 2012 at 4:29pm

Thanks, that makes me feel better and gets me more excited to get the tattoo. I feel at ease now and am definitely looking forward to it.

Permalink Reply by Cherise on February 16, 2012 at 6:53pm

Most non-diabetics take around 2 weeks to heal, but I have found it takes me a little bit longer to heal from getting a tattoo. I'm actually getting my 8th tattoo on the 25th of this month which will probably be my largest. I currently have five on my back, one on my left forearm and one on my left side chest. The new one will be from my right side chest up and down my arm to about my elbow. It will be a Chinese dragon. Oh I'm also Type 1 diabetic though too. I noticed you're a Type 2. Not sure if there's a difference in the way a Type 2 heals. My mom is Type 2 and she said that every tattoo she's gotten (two so far) she's never had a problem healing and healed within two weeks but they were also smaller tattoos.

Permalink Reply by Jesus Ingles on February 16, 2012 at 7:09pm

Thanks for the info. I think that the Chinese dragon would be an awesome tattoo. I'll let you guys know how long it will take me to heal.