if you are diabitic can you get a tatoo?

Answer 1

if your sugar is out of control that time, you can't get one. as long as your blood sugar is okay, it's the same with someone without diabetes. the healing with your tattoo might heal slower than the normal. with severe diabetes, you cannot get one. make sure to get some doctor's approval before getting one, too. good luck and stay healthy!

Answer 2

I wondered if the notion that diabetics cannot or should not get tattoos or piercings was just another outmoded taboo. But no, the concerns are real: diabetes does reduce the body's ability to heal wounds properly, increasing the risk of infection. On the other hand, everyone I know who’s ever indulged was infected for a while after having the procedure done. But they all cleared up pretty quickly, so why shouldn’t we?

In fact, it seems most doctors wouldn’t steer someone with diabetes away from body art as long as their blood sugars are in good control – meaning an A1c below 8% – and they’ve done their homework on the reputation and sanitation of the parlor they’re planning to use. (The biggest risk comes from using cheap jewelry and unclean instruments.) If you’re not in good control, you will undoubtedly have problems healing. Note that your blood glucose levels can go up during the tattoo or piercing process itself due to the stress from the pain level, but should come back down the next day.Worst-Case Scenario

Apparently, you can pick up Hepatitis C from pre-used needles that have not been adequately sterilized between customers, or from unsterile practices by the artist (i.e. licking the needle, using the same ink or ink containers for more than one person, or testing needle sharpness by pricking his/her hand). Yuck!
But this is extremely rare, and the risk is the same for people without diabetes. Everyone considering body art should insist on fresh, single-use, disposable needles and fresh ink in new disposable containers – and assure that all equipment is disinfected with an autoclave, a device that uses steam to sterilize equipment. (Experts say cleaning with bleach or any other disinfectant doesn't always kill the hepatitis C virus.)
http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/daily_living/Viewpoints/amy_may06.html

Answer 3

I agree with some of the answers you have received.... as long as your sugars are under control immediately prior to getting a tattoo, you should be fine. It will take a little longer to heal, especially if it is located on your leg or foot. As with any wound, as a diabetic you will need to take special care with it and keep it clean and covered in triple antibiotic ointment. One point I might mention is that many tattoo artists may be reluctant to tattoo you if they know you are diabetic. Some parlors have a policy stating they cannot tattoo a diabetic. You might check around and then make your own decision as to whether or not to disclose your condition with your tattoo artist.

Answer 4

steamroller98439 had a good answer. read that...

My follow up to his..:

You ALWAYS ask your doctor first when you have any sort of medical condition.
If your doctor gives the "ok" make sure that your body is ready for it, make sure your levels are good, and that you have something to fix it incase your levels drop due to the body shock, and also keep in mind that Diabetes will cause your tattoo to heal very slowly.

Alright: Infections.
Infections are NOT a part of getting a tattoos. Also, redness or sensitivity following a tattoo does not mean it is infected. Tattoos look red and swollen because it is an open wound. There is blood under your tattoo, that settles in a few days. The swelling goes down sooner,

Taking perfect care of your tattoo is the only way to avoid infection if your artist did nothing to contaminate you. You have to keep it clean, keep bacteria out of it, and make sure you follow your artist instructions!

LikeKeep foreign objects off of your tattoo. No paper towels, or regular towels, they harbor bacteria. No unwashed fingers or hands on your new tattoo, clothes, dirt, grime, body fluids, animals, animal saliva...anything. Keep it clean, wash it when you're suppossed to, and use the correct aftercare(Note: no petroleum products, or alcohol at ALL, NO vaseline or neosporin/polyspoin/tripe anibiotic.....use A&D, Bactarin, aquaphor, tattoo goo, ink fixx, or other tattoo products And when you switch to lotion, use white, unscented, alcohol-free lotion) talk to you tattoo artist for thurough aftercare instructions, make sure they go over it with you and MAKE SURE that you follow them.! I promise! It makes a world of difference. If you get Tattooed, it is vital for you, especially to take care of it. It's not hard, I have tattoos, and NONE of them have gotten an infection.

Diabetic or not, everyone needs to be careful about choosing a tattooist. You can ask to see, and have the right to see liscences, certifications, their autoclave and the spore tests(all very important and proof) Tattooists go through red cross training, blood borne pathogen preventions, first aid, cross contamination classes and much be certified. Professional tattooists must be trained and tested to have their job.. But checking out all you can and researching the shop is a good way to make sure that your artist will not cause you to contract anything.

Also, the GOOD tattoo artists use medical grade cleaners, autoclaves, sterilizers and tools, like we do at my shop. Bleach is unacceptable for cleaners.. Everything is sterilized, sterile, and needles are NEVER supposed to be reused in a tattoo shop, even if they are completely sterilized. That's ethically wrong to Tattooists. If you see one reusing a needle, LEAVE and I suggest you report them, too. Don't go crazy with reporting unless you know what you need to know,a nd know that they are a risk to the clients.

Do research on this site if you want a tattoo, it is packed with information:
http://www.bmezine.com

Or go talk to your local tattoo artist

Or send me a message for further questions.

Answer 5

I don't think it is a good idea for you to get a tattoo, when you are diabetic. It will take awhile to heal the wound and not sure for how long, I won't put risk my health just for the sake of fashion.But then again this is me, the choice is up to you.

Answer 6

I have a close friend that is diabetic and for 2 days prior to getting a new tat his glucous has to be stable within limits. He has many tats and has never had an issue with them healing nor has he had any infections with them.

Answer 7

yep. darren brass on miami ink (the tattooer) is diabetic and he is covered in tattoos. i would ask the tattooer or your doctor for any special instructions regarding healing and such.

Answer 8

Of course you can whats on top of the skin is not harming your blood sugar level my grandfather is diabetic and he got a tattoo.And no it won't take any longer to heal then a regluar person but remeber people vary and a tatt is just like diabetties with you till death.

Answer 9

Yes, but it will take longer to heal afterwards.

Answer 10

No you can not because you are at a higher risk for infection.