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Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

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Lynds90

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Wondering if anyone can help. Does anyone know if the blue diabetes circle is a universally recognised symbol for diabetes ? Internet is saying it represents world diabetes day (think that is America). Was thinking of getting this as a small tattoo on wrist because it is plain and simple and can be used as a medical alert. However I wouldn't get it if I knew it would be no use or wouldn't be recognised by paramedics etc if anything bad was to happen. Any thoughts/help would be much appreciated thanks:-)

Lyndsay


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Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

Hi, I don't know if diabetic tattoos would help in a emergency situation because I don't think a paramedic would look for a tattoo or even know what the tattoo would mean. I've been diabetic since 1997 and I've never heard of the diabetic blue circle I've just had to google it to see what it was!
 
Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

I thought it was common knowledge to be honest.
:?:
 
Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

I work for Fire Service and type1 and never knew this either. A safer bet would be the bracelets in my opinion. Emergency responders are taught to look for these, not tattoos ! However, I guess a tattoo is better than nothing, it may eventually get picked up on.


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Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

I'm just not sure that the emergency services would alter the treatment they provided to you based on a tattoo. I often wear a pink ribbon as I lost somebody very close to me to cancer a few years ago. I don't wear the ribbon because I have cancer, I wear it to help raise awareness. I am sure there are others have have the blue diabetes circle because they know someone with diabetes.

Em
 
Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

Elc1112, you're right, initial emergency treatment or anything life threatening wouldn't really matter if you had diabetes or not. There are some occasions where it would certainly be helpful though. If you became unconscious for any reason, treatment could certainly be delayed. Also, some hypo's are mistaken for intoxication. Each to their own though, I am not against tattoos in any way. I just wanted to point out that they may not serve their purpose as an alert. If you just want one for cosmetic reasons or in memory of someone, that's different.
 
Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

I want a tattoo done its only going to be a small one with a little butterfly but my dad recons that I can't have one done I'm type one diabetic and I've been looking on the Internet and tried finding any thing about it but there isn't really any problems to having it is there? Can some one help me please and give me a bit of info so I can tell my dad plleeeasseee xox


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Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

Nothing to prevent you getting a tattoo tell your dad. Just usual precautions, test before, adjust if needed. If it is a long procedure, test midway. Inform the tattooist you have diabetes. Test after. Good luck !
 
Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

I'm type one and I have three tattoos. Make sure your sugars are well controlled. High sugars mean you're more likely to get infections and the wound can take longer to heal. Make sure you follow the aftercare advice. I've never had any problems with mine - apart from being a giant wuss and almost crying when I had my first one done!!
 
Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

Lynds90 said:
Wondering if anyone can help. Does anyone know if the blue diabetes circle is a universally recognised symbol for diabetes ? Internet is saying it represents world diabetes day (think that is America). Was thinking of getting this as a small tattoo on wrist because it is plain and simple and can be used as a medical alert. However I wouldn't get it if I knew it would be no use or wouldn't be recognised by paramedics etc if anything bad was to happen. Any thoughts/help would be much appreciated thanks:-)

Lyndsay


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Click to expand...
Hello Lynds90 .

Here is another thread discussing the same things.
Hope it can help you .

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36377

Let us know if you decide to have one done :) .

Anna.
 
Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

Absolutely no reason why you can't get a tattoo if you;re diabetic. I have sleeves and my legs covered. Although I'm type 2, it;s still diabetes! It all comes down to how well you manage it, and then the aftercare of the tattoo. A reputable tattooist will make you fill out a form, asking if you have any conditions, which include diabetes. Don't let your diabetes put you off getting one! When done right, by the right person, and looked after properly afterwards, a tattoo is an amazing thing! I know not everyone likes them, but that's individual opinions.

My only proper advice I would insist on is nothing to do with being diabetic. It's being sure of what you want, as it's on you for life! If you are 100 percent certain what you want, go for it! Enjoy the experience! I've been getting tattooed for over 20 years and still love it!
 
Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

Anna thanks for posting the existing thread on diabetes/medical alert tattoos. All your questions have been asked there and I will gladly design a tattoo for anyone that would like something custom xxxx


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Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

Totally agree with the post above, tell the artist you're diabetic eat before you are inked especially if it's your first time as the adrenaline will be pumping and take a snack in case your BG drops during the session. My BG dropped during my last 5 hour sitting, my artist fully understood I needed a break :-)
As for the original post, I had no idea about the blue circle :-\
 
Re: Tattoo - blue diabetes circle

In my experience, (61 years T1), some identifying jewelry is the most recognized, universal sign. The "Med Alert" symbol and the information stating that you are diabetic. The fear of people who know little of diabetes is that administering sugar/juice is the worst thing they could do because their interpretation of the disease is NO SUGAR. So, with dog tags, a pendent, bracelet or something with the Med Alert symbol saying you are diabetic and need sugar (in these 61 years I have only had problems because of hypos) if you are unable to explain what is going on, someone will check the Med Alert. I have three tattoos, but I don't think anybody checked them for medical information when aid was required. The dog tags worked.
 
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