Inspiring Diabetes Tattoos
Over 29 million people in the United States alone have diabetes. That’s 9.3 percent of the population. And each year, 1.4 million more people are diagnosed. In adults, over 90 percent of those diagnoses are for type 2 diabetes, though many of the tattoos below are on those with type 1 diabetes or on those who love them. Many people who have diabetes, or know someone who does, choose to get inked. For some, it’s for their own safety: Getting the word “diabetic” tattooed on their arm can help make sure those around them are aware in case of an emergency. For others, it’s about raising awareness. And for loved ones, it’s about solidarity. Whatever the reasons, these tattoos, which were submitted by some of our readers, all send powerful messages. Check them out below! If you'd like to share the story behind your diabetes tattoo, email us with the subject line "My diabetes tattoo" and be sure to include: a photo of your tattoo, a short description of why you got it or why you love it, and your name. “I decided to get my diabetes tattoo mainly because I never wore my medical bracelet and I wanted to make sure that I had some sort of permanent marking in case of emergency. Since having the tattoo, I have found that it, in addition to keeping me safe, also allows me to commemorate my struggles as a diabetic and showcase my artsy flair.” -Amelia “This tattoo is on my leg. My son drew this in pencil 10 days before he passed away. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 4 and died at age 14 on March 25, 2010.” -Jen Nicholson “I’ve had type 1 diabetes since January 3, 2007. The butterfly represents me, the blue circle represents type 1 juvenile diabetes, and the grey ribbon represents diabetes awareness.” -Vanessa “About a year ago, I got ‘DIABET Continue reading >>
Tattoos
November is Diabetes Awareness Month and so November of 2006 seemed the appropriate time to have a diabetes awareness tattoo created. My son, Liam was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the ripe old age of two. Every day I strive to keep him as healthy as possible. Every day I work to ensure that his life is as normal as possible. Diabetes does not make that easy. That is one of the reasons that I created the online community called Diabetes Advocacy (www.diabetesadvocacy.com ). Each year Diabetes Advocacy has done its bit to increase awareness of diabetes and diabetes related issues in this country. We have sent out calendars filled with people living with diabetes and have created booklets filled with their stories. In November of 2006, we took diabetes awareness to a level. Across North America—from Newfoundland to California, people came together through Diabetes Advocacy with one common goal. They have decided to have a tattoo done to raise awareness of Type 1 Diabetes. I did as well. No one in my immediate family had a clue that I was even considering this. My oldest son was shocked. My youngest told me I took after him and was tough! Despite the initial shock, the reaction has been the same—Wow! I would like to thank Bernard at Peek-a-Boo Tattoos in Stephenville for creating a true work of art and a picture of love. The tattoo you see below was created by him from a very rough concept I brought to him. He created two hearts for my two children—equal in my love. He added a touch of color that reflected their birthstones. He kept hues soft and loving. The ribbons are grey and in Liam’s case, end in the Diabetes Awareness ribbon. His heart also shows the drop of blood that he must part with every time he eats and plays so that we can ensure his blood glucose Continue reading >>
