Ink'd

I came across this article on MSNBC as I was researching & designing my next tattoo. I am so excited for this to happen. I think it’s fantastic!! Not only would my fingertips go back to loving me…I could get a mood ring like tattoo! Double YAY whammy!
















Rumor has it that Diabetics should not get tattoos. I think this is an outdated idea. Education and knowledge about this disease has far surpassed peeing on a stick for your bs level and avoiding all types of sugar because it was the devil. I think Diabetics can get tattoos….just like they can eat that donut. As long as we follow the rules.

















Diabetics have a difficult time healing so any invasion to our skin could cause concern. We are more susceptible to infections, we take longer to heal and have issues with blood flow. So, tattooing your feet may not be the best option. As a Diabetic who has two tattoos, I highly recommend having your A1C in an exceptional level before considering ink. Mine is a 6, so I’m ready. I would never consider a tattoo if my A1C was over an 8. Just out of fear alone.

My unprofessional suggestions would be to find a reputable tattoo artist. One that you are confident in not only their skill, artistry & reputation, but also in their cleanliness. I would also let the artist know that you are a diabetic. You can get the same beautiful result without the artist going as deep as he would on someone without diabetes. I would also discuss your desire to get ink'd with your Endocrinologist. Lastly, follow the after care instructions to a ‘T’ even though they are a pain. Personally, I also avoid my regular insertion sites. For example, I’m not going to tattoo my muffin top and then have no place to put my OmniPod.

Shhhh.....here is a secret. I have never worn a medical alert bracelet. I haven’t. I know. I’m a bad diabetic. Tsk tsk. But, I’m sorry, I think they are horrible. I have had ‘I’m a Type 1’ key chains and a card in my wallet but that’s as far as I can go. I just can’t get myself to purchase a medical alert bracelet. I know it could have saved my life faster & easier on many occasions but I took the risk. I’m a risk taker. Shame, shame, I know your name.

















Because of that, one of the tattoos I am considering is a medical tattoo. My only hold back is my hope for a cure. I only play a pessimist for humors sake. I’m actually an eternal optimist who never loses her hope. I would hate to get ‘Hi, I’m a Type 1 Diabetic’ tattooed on my wrist and then be cured. I suppose it would be ok seeing how being a Type 1 is what I have been for over ½ my life. Being a Type 1 is part of who I am and part of how I came to be who I am. But….I still can’t kick that hope. I guess I could always go back and get ‘CURED’ inked underneath it. Or get that ‘no sign’ put over it. Haha!










However, as I researched, I noticed that getting a medical tattoo seems to be the wave of the future. Maybe I will have to start working on a new design.















By the way, TuDiabetes has a group if you are interested in checking out other Inked Diabetics.



*Peace.

It's a Way of Life

Written May 28, 2009

President Obama selected Judge Sonia Sotomayor as a Supreme Court nominee.Why do I care?Because she is a Type 1 diabetic. Sotomayor was diagnosed at age 7 with Juvenile Diabetes.In the 60’s, it was still considered ‘Juvenile’ as opposed to the now ‘Type 1’. While this disease typically takes 10 years from ones life, it’s great to know that at 54, Sonia Sotomayor is still going strong.She has been injecting herself with insulin for 47 years, longer than I have been alive.This is one of those stories that sparks the docile hope I always have in my heart.My hope gets a subtle nudge and I smile.

I have a chronic disease…..not a terminal one. I am enabled….not disabled. I am ill…..I am not sick. But, even so, diabetes is more than just an illness….it’s a way of life. While different & more complex than yours, it’s still normal to me and everyone who has this disease. The truth is simply that diabetics are now living healthier, longer, stronger lives thanks to the many medical advancements that have come our way. I remember peeing on a stick and trying to guess what color was the closet match to their graph. This just so I kinda sorta knew what my bs was. Now I know exactly what my bs is in 5 seconds from my OneTouch or in 1 second from Dexter. Wow.

Anyway, Sonia Sotomayor seems well qualified for the position. She is a Princeton grad, she got her JD from Yale, she served on the US District Court and the US Court of Appeals. grad, she got She has the education and experience so why should her health be considered? After all, didn’t we have a geriatric running for president a few months ago. I’m just saying. Haha!

Good luck, Judge Sotomayor.

This made me think of famous diabetics..other than myself..hahaha! Let's see.

Type 1

Mary Tyler Moore (Of course)
Halle Berry (Actress)
Brett Michaels (From Poison)
Nick Jonas (Jonas Brothers)
Anne Rice (Author)


Type 2

Wilfred Brimley (Diabeetus guy)
Delta Burke (Actress)
Nell Carter (Actress)
Dick Clark (The dude who never ages.)
Jerry Garcia (Singer)

There are tons, actually. Athletes, Actors, Political Leaders, Musicians, Scientists, Writers. Diabetes isn't racist. Diabetes will attack anyone, at any time, without pause. This still doesn't mean they can't do their job.

Going back to a previous blog, Food Police, I also thought of another annoying thing that happens to me all the time. Whenever I am testing my bs, someone asks ‘What’s your sugar?’ Seriously? Do I ask you what your sugar is right before you shove a donut in your mouth? No. I don’t. It’s personal and really isn’t your concern. I don’t ask you when your period is or when the last time you took a crap…so, please. Stop. I know you think you are showing your ‘concern’ in a caring, positive manner but you aren’t. You are being intrusive and rude, quite frankly. I think, just for giggles and kicks, the next time someone asks ‘What’s your sugar?’ I will immediately spit out ‘What’s yours? Tell me yours and I’ll tell you mine.’ Psh.

So, I have the mindset that I am getting two more tattoos. I know diabetics aren’t great healers..oh no!!...but I heal pretty well. I think as long as you are controlled, meaning you’re A1C is below 7 and you discuss tattoos with your endocrinologist, you are safe. I also tell the artist I am a diabetic so he doesn’t go as deeply as he normally would. I have two tattoos and didn’t have a problem with either. I want a celtic tree of life with an A in the midst for Amanda. I am still considering location but will end up smacking it on my ankle. I will get the tree here but I haven’t found the perfect studio yet. I also want a peace sign on my left wrist. I will get the peace in Woodstock when I go home in October. I’m so excited for my trip home…and not only for the tattoo.

What are fellow diabetic’s thoughts on tattoos? Do you have any? Where are they located? What are they?

I plan on spitting out the Disney with Diabetes blog this weekend and will post next week. Keep an eye out for it. Have a great weekend!

*Peace.