I spent Saturday at the Providence Convention Center.  Getting tattooed.  The product of my inking can be seen in the photo attached to this post.  The picture, I can assure you, doesn't do it justice.  It's really beautiful.  And it means a lot to me.  The script says "I don't need sleep to dream" and I think the winged goddess looks like something out of a daydream - and like a daydreamer herself.  

Since I got my first piece, at eighteen, many people have asked about the relationship between diabetes and ink.  I'm going to try to address their questions here, from my personal experience.  As always, I would advise anyone considering a tattoo to consult their physician or endocrinologist, as I'm not a medical professional.  After all, what you're creating with a tattoo is a wound.  With the end result of a beautiful, permanent scar.    

I'll start with the obvious, non-diabetes related advice.  I don't believe people should get fad tattoos.  We must remember that what we're getting is a piece of art that will stay with us forever.  It better mean something.  And the meaning or subject of the design best not be malleable or subject to change in the real world - or in your heart. This is, in my opinion, as - if not more - important than any of the advice that follows.

My first piece of diabetes-related advice, though, is to get things in control before you even think about a tattoo.  High bloodsugars make healing challenging.  And you will spend weeks healing.  If you're prone to infection or wounds that don't mend properly, you will absolutely want to think twice.  The way you heal will have a direct impact on the way your design looks in the long-run.  Poor healing can cause ink colors to run, fade, and change.   

Next, be sure to talk with the artist who'll be doing your tattoo before you sit down in the chair.  Let them know that you have diabetes. Let them know that you're in control and talk with them about any concerns you have about the healing process.  In addition, talk to them about the tattooing itself.  I've found that my bloodsugar has a tendency to plummet as soon as the needle hits my skin.  Even the smallest tattoo can take hours, so I'm sure to have my test kit and juice at my side.  I also turn my basal rates down just a bit pre-tattoo, trying to cut the plummet off at the pass.  If it's your first time being tattooed, be sure you've got a test kit, insulin, and juice on you.  Often, the body's reaction to pain (and don't let anyone tell you it won't hurt, because it WILL) can mimic high or low bloodsugar symptoms.  So be sure that your artist will be alright with taking breaks to test and treat if you need to. 

As you're healing, follow the artist's instructions.  You can't use neosporin or other topical antibiotic ointments on your tattoo, so the control issue I mentioned earlier is especially important.  You won't be able to rely on medicine to help you heal.  For the first few days, you'll need to put A&D Ointment, Tattoo Goo, or another similar ointment on your tattoo, keeping it moist as your skin heals. 

Most tattoos, after those first several days, start to scab, peel and itch.  Do not pick, do not pick, do not pick.  And do not scratch, do not scratch, do not scratch.    This will not only result in extended healing time, it will absolutely have an effect on the way your design looks.  It can create dings or flaws in the outline and color and make things just plain ugly.  

Finally, in my experience, bloodsugars can be a little bit wonky for a couple of days after I've been tattooed.  I don't know if it's the release of endorphins or what, but my sugars tend to trend upward for three to four days following.  Before I got my first tattoo I talked with my doctor who recommended that "I keep a close eye, test a bit more often, and make insulin adjustments as needed."  He also let me know it would be OK, as always, to call if something seemed off or if I wasn't able to handle things at home. I would strongly recommend having a talk with your doc - and planning for a couple of days of close tracking and adjustments after you've been inked. 

I'm truly pleased with my goddess.  She reminds me how important it is to dream, with my eyes wide open.  To dream about my goals, my life, the things I want - to dream (on the diabetes side) of a cure.  I'm fortunate to have this, and my other tattooes, as markers to whisper to me when I forget things that should always be with me and to talk to me about the places I've been.

I hope that your tattoos, whether you have them now or they're soon-to-be, do the same.