TATTOOS, BODY PIERCING & DIABETES
Having diabetes doesn’t stop you from getting a tattoo or piercing but diabetes can make you more prone to infections or take longer to heal, especially if your diabetes is not well controlled. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you’re feeling well and your diabetes is well-controlled before you get a piercing or tattoo, and take good care of your skin afterwards to avoid infection. Here are some key tips for if you’re going to get a tattoo or piercing:
Eating something more than 1 hour beforehand can reduce the chances of a hypo or fainting while getting a tattoo or piercing.
If your diabetes control hasn’t been good recently, your risk of infection or other problems caused by a new tattoo or piercing can increase. Make sure your blood glucose levels are under control before getting something done.
You should put off getting your piercing or tattoo if you are already unwell as your blood glucose control can be affected, increasing your risk of infection.
Skin infections may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, toxic shock syndrome or blood poisoning. If your tattoo or piercing is infected, or you feel ill within the first few weeks after having it done, contact your diabetes specialist nurse or doctor urgently.
Test your blood glucose more frequently and test for ketones if your piercing becomes infected. If your blood glucose levels are high or you find any ketones contact your diabetes specialist nurse or doctor urgently.
