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What should a diabetes tattoo say?

tim2000s

tim2000s

Expert
Retired Moderator
When getting a tattoo that proclaims you as a diabetic, what wording should you use?

Is "diabetic" enough or should you be explicit about type?
 
I think if you're going to get a tattoo at least say whether you're insulin dependant or not. I currently wear a silicon bracelet that says insulin dependant diabetic. I don't have the type on there. My problem is if I say I'm type 2 people assume I'm diet controlled only or at the most on pills. I'm on MDI though. That is just hard for people to get their heads around. It's just easier for me to say I'm insulin dependant which I am. Although I would think if you have the option of coming off insulin, then maybe don't bother putting it on your tattoo. But for those of us that don't have that option, yeh it would be worthwhile I think.
 
I would seriously consider a design alongside the words, would want to make sure it's visible and attracts attention, would be interested to see what other people think or have already..
 
tim2000s said:
When getting a tattoo that proclaims you as a diabetic, what wording should you use?

Is "diabetic" enough or should you be explicit about type?
Click to expand...

Type I/Type II would help. Where's the best place for tattoo? Guaranteed for anyone to see in the sad event of you not being "with it". Forearm? Wrist? I remember (? long time ago unfortunately) when I did my First Aider Course we were told to look for bracelets/necklaces, maybe tattoos should be added, but where would you expect a First Aider to look? Interesting! Answers on a postcard please. LOL

Although not a great fan of tattooing, I can obviously see the benefits. If anyone has real objections, for instance people who live by what the bible says, Leviticus 19:28 - Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves, there are temporary tattoos available at http://pumppeelz.com/collections/medical-alert-tattoo?mc_cid=a247f6a561&mc_eid=de361e546c
 
as someone with Tatts I wouldn't go for one for my Diabetes - firstly a Tatt (as we know) is permanent and unless your diabetes is too - (ie never gonna change) then fine - but as a T2 who is hoping to reverse my condition a T2 Tatt is not going to benefit me.
 
I think I would like one that says "type 1 diabetic" on my left wrist. But not entireley decided yet. Tattoos are forever & I might get cured! Ha!

.... @tim2000s did you get a tattoo at 3am that's not quite what you want it to say? :)
 
tim2000s said:
When getting a tattoo that proclaims you as a diabetic, what wording should you use?

Is "diabetic" enough or should you be explicit about type?
Click to expand...

I'd specify the type else you'll get Joe Expert proudly telling everyone he knows you shouldn't have sugar as you slip into a bad hypo. Although, having said that, the type probably wouldn't make a difference then : D

You'd have to have a tattoo that was chapter and verse with strict instructions : D

Seriously, I've seen a number of diabetes tattoos and each one had the type on. I think it's important info.
 
There's a selection here,

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=d...ei=5FMTV5iNMIXuUu3stMgK#imgrc=jIJSiY_e-0erkM:

not all with type, and not all on the same part of the body. For it to be any good, it needs to be in a sensible place that any medic or trained first aider will spot very quickly. As I mentioned, in the First Aider training I attended so many moons ago, they did mention looking for bracelets and necklaces with medical info when confronted with an unconscious "patient".
 
DavidGrahamJones said:
There's a selection here,

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=diabetic+tattoo&biw=1280&bih=667&tbm=isch&imgil=sqDCNpsWeQWThM%3A%3BYxtYHp9sm5k-8M%3Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.pinterest.com%252Fexplore%252Fdiabetes-tattoo%252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=sqDCNpsWeQWThM%3A%2CYxtYHp9sm5k-8M%2C_&usg=__amfHEdDtmDEDflSCiTcW1qAv9-g=&ved=0ahUKEwiYj_fWqpXMAhUFtxQKHW02DakQyjcIKQ&ei=5FMTV5iNMIXuUu3stMgK#imgrc=jIJSiY_e-0erkM:

not all with type, and not all on the same part of the body. For it to be any good, it needs to be in a sensible place that any medic or trained first aider will spot very quickly. As I mentioned, in the First Aider training I attended so many moons ago, they did mention looking for bracelets and necklaces with medical info when confronted with an unconscious "patient".
Click to expand...

Wow, thank you for that link.
Seeing all those different tattoos together, a few things really jumped out. Make it plain. Make it obvious. If you use a symbol, use one of the universal OBVIOUS ones.

Half those pics actually obscured the message with their too intricate designs...
Can't see myself ever needing one, but my mother now wears a medicalert bracelet (non D related) so who knows what the future has in store.

LOVED the Alzheimers one.

Anyway, i will remember the lesson, lol. Simple font. Minimal phaff. No prettification. :D
 
Mine says Insulin Dependent Diabetic and has a caduceus. It's on the top of my left arm (where a nurse then told me nobody would bother looking for it).
 
I think this a worthy discussion. I've been looking through all my old First Aider stuff, and looking at St John's Ambulance things to get more updated info and it would seem that if you collapse in the street the first responder, who is aware of first aid methods will be concentrating on making sure that the person is breathing and in the recovery position, baring in mind that for an obvious heart attack the recovery position is slightly different. It might be that when checking for breathing that breath smell might be noticed, fruity pear drops or nail varnish which would indicate a hypo. Otherwise it could be a while before an ambulance arrives.
The wrist sounds like a good idea because that's where the pulse can be checked although even that is no longer in advice to first aiders. Interesting dilemna.
 
I can understand why people would get it done, but as a T2, not on insulin, there's no need.
Also..and I shouldn't laugh but..if one has got a few life threatening conditions, plus serious allergies, I might end up with a full sleeve!:eek:
 
I'm seriously considering getting one on my wrist. I just need to do a bit of research into appropriate symbols and fonts :-)
I figure that wrist is the best bet for it to be found as there's a chance someone will either check for a bracelet or pulse and spot it. Plus it's less likely to be covered by clothes? Ultimately the forehead would be best but that seems a bit extreme for me :-)
 
With hindsight, maybe the snakes should have been coloured in, and it's something I've promised myself I'll do next time I have something scralled on my body but I've had that for years and not really been inclined to have any other work done. (The next one will not come from Microsoft clip art!)
 

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