It all started in November 2006 and I am amazed at how
far we have come and how many lives we have impacted! We began as a
group of people with diabetes in their lives who wanted to do
something different to raise diabetes awareness. For some it was a
challenge, for some it was a fantasy come true, for all it was a
very public display of love. The tattoos here are as permanent in
our lives as diabetes is. Please enjoy the art, love the stories and
A research group is looking for people who have diabetes tattoos to
answer a brief questionnaire. If you would be interested in
helping with this, please
For
Aimee
Hi, My name is Aimee and I have had
Type I Diabetes for 23 years now. I decided to get this tattoo because
it had to mean something to me. Since I have been living with diabetes
most of my life, I figured why not. Just wanted to share the
picture...it is kind of a unique design. I am a big advocate for
diabetes and finding a cure. I work as a nurse and I am always in
contact with people who have this disease. Having it myself allows me to
meet them at their level and understand better what they are going
through. Thanks for letting me share...
|
For
Alexx
I just got this tattoo. It makes me
feel safer and I really like the symbol, so I think it makes a
pretty neat tattoo (:
|
For
Alexandra
My names Alexandra and I was diagnosed at age 8 and am now 23
years old. This tattoo idea came to me when sketching up some ideas
and not really liking just the diabetes ribbon as a tattoo. I came
up with a bow instead and put the medical symbol in the center for
the knot and thought it created a unique design. Having
complications in the past from not taking care of myself this tattoo
means a lot. I inspire people everyday when I'm out and it makes me
feel really great!
|
For
Andrew
Hi, I wanted to
share a picture of my Diabetes tattoo for your site. I was
diagnosed about 1.5 years ago putting an end to a my flight career.
I decided I didn't like med alert bracelets and I was going to look
into a tattoo. After looking at your site for inspiration I
made up a design and here is the end product. Thanks you!
Andrew, Utah
|
For
Annsofie
I’ve been diabetic for about three
years now, and I got sick of wearing and worrying about my
medical ID bracelets. So I got a tattoo! I chose a design
more personal to me than the more classic medical alert
tattoos I’ve seen, and I absolutely love it. I feel so free!
|
|
For
Anthony
I was diagnosed a little over a year
ago. I got tired of wearing my bracelet and forgetting it when
I left the house. I thought a tattoo around my wrist would be
the answer.
|
 For
arc
|
For
Betopamplona
This is my tattoo that brings me calm in
emergencies. I am Brazilian and I have type 1 diabetes
|
For
Bigman bg
This is my new ink. I have been
a type 1 diabetic since April 17, 2009. I have been in construction
my whole life so I can't wear medical bracelets, so this is my
answer to that. I have been on your web site several times to see
others art work and get ideas before I got mine done. I love your
site and can't wait to see all the other ideas people come up with.
|
For
Bob
This is the tattoo I got a while back. I don't like bracelets, necklaces etc. so for a long time never wore anything. Guess I thought an EMT could figure it out seeing my pump & CGM. My wife who is a tattoo affection ado was getting one and said come on, I'll buy you your first. We made the appointment which she thought I wouldn't go to but did. Thinking about what to have put on I figured how about a medic alert. I found this sight and got some ideas along with what I had in mind and came up with this. Cliff, one of the owners of Oshkosh Tattoo and Good Girl Piercing (and a real talented & great guy) touched up my design a bit and put it on. I've had Type-1 since age four which was 1957 when having a physical to enter kindergarten and was diagnosed. The last 54 years are history. My father's father had diabetes and was the second person in Wisconsin to take insulin and my mother was a nurse so being diagnosed that early didn't allow me to acquire a lot of bad habits. I was also fortunate to have a mom and dad who were knowledgeable, willing and able to help me early on.
Bob Marquart .Oshkosh, Wisconsin
|
For
Bobbie
Bobbie is 29 years old and recently
diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
|
For
Brad
Hello, I've been diabetic for about 23 years now. I am an
electrician and can not wear jewellery of any kind while at work. I
have broken and lost so many chains and medic alert pendants over
the years its ridiculous. I wanted my daughter in law to create a
leather type chain to wear around my neck for a medic alert pendent
when she suggested I get a tattoo instead. Never have to worry about
loosing or forgetting to put on anything again !! After a variety of
different designs and a GREAT tattoo artist, HERE IT IS
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
For
Brent
My name is Brent been diabetic for 8 years have 3 tatts and this is
the only one visible it severs as a great reminder for me to take
care of my self and a conversation starter with people in society.
Also I have not received any negative comments for anyone
|
For
Brian's Dad
I am 17 years old, and is about to move out of my
house, away from my Dad, who is 39 years old. He has had Diabetes for
37-38 years now, and the reason he got it is from insulin he was given
as a kid to prevent diseases. Typical baby shots right? Wrong. His
body apparently reacted wrong to the shots, and made his pancreas fail,
giving him Type 1 Diabetes. A perfectly normal baby turned into a
diabetic almost before he could walk.
I designed this tattoo myself, and it in on my
inner wrist if you cannot see, it is in honor of my dad and everyone
with Diabetes in the world. I hope they will find a cure so
my dad doesn't have to endure (or anyone in this matter) multiple shots
everyday. Or taking a pill everyday. I, Brian J. Kilgore, am
a proud Diabetes Advocate from San Diego CA.
|
 For
Brian
In 2004 my Dad Brian became very sick. We were unaware of
what was wrong. I will never forget that day in March when he came home
from the Doctors and told my Mom in the hallway that he has been
diagnosed with diabetes... His doctor said he has a rare case, he is
between type 1 and type 2 his pancreas still produces insulin, but other
times he will need the injection. He can control it if he monitors it. He
always told me that I wasn't allowed to get a tattoo until I was 18
because he didn't want me to get one and regret getting it because I
didn't want it anymore. So in 2009 after I graduated high school me and
my mom went together to get our first tattoo. I got the Diabetic
butterfly just for him :)
He had no idea what I was getting so it was a surprise to him when I
came home to show him. He was very proud and didn't think one of his
kids would have that much respect for him. I am now 19 and I will never
regret this tattoo, it means the world to me, it will always remind me
of how strong he is and what an influence he has on my life. I am
blessed to call him my Dad....Jaime
|
For
Brody
My son Brody was diagnosed
with Type 1 Diabetes in September 2007 at the ripe ol’ age of 7.
A total shock to us as it was found during a basketball physical.
It has totally turned our lives around as now we are experts in
carb-counting, blood sugar checks, insulin, needles, etc. He
has been so brave and I am so proud of him for dealing with
it like he has. He is my inspiration which is why I
decided to get a tattoo in honor of him and all the children
living with this awful disease. It is the “Children
with Diabetes” ribbon inside his zodiac sign “Gemini”
|
For
Chris
|
For
Cody
My son, Cody was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on August 15, 1999. He was 6 years old. It is completely heartbreaking to see a child have to live with this disease. Cody is now 17 and still struggles with diabetes on a daily basis. I got a diabetes ribbon tattoo during the summer of 2004. Cody told me last night that he wanted to have a diabetes tattoo on his wrist. I found your website and wanted to share my story. Thanks
|
For
Colin
Colin was inspired by our page to get his own tattoo done! "I got this tattoo a couple of weeks ago. It turned out great and I am pleased with it. Hopefully it remains legible. I was done by Tim Forbus at Incognito in Pasadena CA. Make sure your ignorant boss knows that it is a medical alert and not for Fun or something..."
|
|
For
Craige
I am a type 2 diabetic and wanted to
share my tattoo. I am a strong advocate of the American Diabetes
Association and want to promote their cause and awareness.
~Craige
|
For
Cindy
|
For
Curt
My name is Curt and I wanted to share my medical alert tattoo with you. I have been a juvenile diabetic for 34 years since the age of 7. I changed the snake heads to spud wrenches because I am an ironwork superintendant and wanted my tattoo to be a little different. This web site gave me some inspiration for the design and to get it done.
|
|
For
Dave
Dave's new "ink"
|
For
David
My wife has literally saved my life. She alerted me to
all my diabetic symptoms and begged me to get checked. I
relented after about 3 years(yes, I can be dense at times). After a
14 hour fast, my blood glucose level was 675, and when my A1C was
checked, it was beyond 14%. after about 4 years on oral meds,
my pancreas finally died, and am now insulin dependant.
Instead of buying and losing one necklace or bracelet after another,
I finally got a tattoo on my right forearm. And I think he did
an excellent job...much MUCH better than the design I gave him.
|

For Debbie
I wanted to share my unique
Diabetic Tattoo. My tattooist designed this himself, with a
little guidance from me and I LOVE it! It’s so pretty and
delicate but big enough and obvious enough for people
(hopefully medics) to notice it. I wanted a tattoo because
unlike a bracelet/necklace, you can never forget to put it
on or it cannot get lost.
|
 For
Debby
|
For
Don
I was told I had Type 2 diabetes in Dec. of 2009. I
had been tired and thirsty, but did not realize the symptoms. Then
medication, diet and exercise to keep it in check. My kids kept
after me to wear something, but I did not want a thing I could lose.
So I elected to get a tattoo. I got a design, changed it a little
and had it put on the underside of my left wrist. Now we all felt
better, and I have a 'signal' in case I have a problem. 80 and
taking care of myself.
|
|
For
Elizabeth
I have been a
diabetic for 19 years now and I thought since I'm allergic to metal
around my neck and wrists I might as well get the medical symbol
stating that I'm a diabetic. I was rushed to the Emergency Room back
in Sept 2008 and if my sister wasn't there the paramedics and
doctors would not have had any idea to test my blood sugar and to
rush with me due to me going into a DKA.
Elizabeth
|
For
Ellen
Ellen's mom recently sent her daughter
off to university. Among the tools she sent to help her with her
diabetes management was the address to this website. Much to Ellen's
mother's dismay, she was inspired to have "diabetic" tattooed on her
wrist..."So
my mom informed you of my new tattoo ! lol ! It's amazing I feel
really inspired having it. Believe it or not its just like a
constant reminder to do the things I sometimes forget to do, its
better having a tattoo remind you than a parent sometimes lol ! Its
great to not wear a medical bracelet, my wrist feels so free !"
Ellen W
|
For
Erica and her daughter
My daughter has been a type 2 diabetic for 10 years now, and I followed suit about 5 years ago. I have tried several different bracelets but they don’t seem to like my skin to much. So I happen to start researching tattoos on line and found quiet a few I liked, so I took one I found and made it mine. There are 2 parts to this 1) For medical purposes 2) For my daughter and awareness of any type of Diabetes. Perfect example: My tattoo artist asked me how many types there were and what was the difference, and what are the signs. While getting the tattoo I had an audience of tattoo artists asking questions. So far its doing its job!
|
For
Eva
|
For
Gail
This was one of our original advocacy tattoos!
Tonight went well...although I would NOT recommend to anyone they get their shoulder tattooed. IT HURT! Now some might say "duh", but honestly my lower back tattoo didn't hurt AT ALL- this one....good thing there were other people there watching so I kept being brave....OUCH. Now after I had my shower this evening it felt a lot better being rinsed off and cleaned- but remind me next time I mention doing this what this one felt like...all for Gail. The things we do for our kids (lol) Everything went really good- the television people didn't go- thank goodness. I think I was more nervous about them being there than anything, BUT the newspaper WAS- and they took about 50 pictures so who can tell what will end up in the paper.
|
|
For
Jacob
Here is a
little bit of our story! ;0)
Having to watch your child fight this illness day and night makes it
easy to see the negative side of it, but there are also some positive
outcomes to T1 diabetes in our lives. Today, I would like to bring
solidarity and compassion to your attention. To this day, I don’t think
I’ve ever witnessed as much support and understanding as I’ve seen in
the T1 community, whether it is coming from the DOC, online forums, T1
Blogs or even Facebook groups.
At the age of 4 (about 8 months after his diagnosis), our son Jacob
started using a Medtronic insulin pump. It was brand new with a cool
jelly bean skin on it, but needless to say, he was still feeling all
alone on his diabetes planet! I guess not having many T1 children in our
hometown and surrounding area didn’t help. Even if he loved wearing his
pump, I could tell he felt like an outcast, different from all the other
kids. Sure enough, one day he came to me and said “Mom, why can’t I be
like the other kids? Am I the only one in the entire world wearing a
pump?”
That broke my heart! I tried to explain to him that all kids had their
own differences. That Kellyann had a surgery to resize one of her ears,
Noah wears an ear piece to help him hear, Edward can’t eat fish, nuts or
even drink milk because of his allergies, other kids wear glasses or
move around in wheel chairs. Then I told him that we all have our own
differences – that’s what makes us all the same!
After that conversation, I turned to my husband Philippe and said “We
have to do something, we need to find a solution so Jacob doesn’t feel
so alone!” It was at that moment the idea of a tattoo emerged!
Diabetes does not define who we are but it is definitely a part of our
lives. As long as Phil and I walk this earth we will do everything in
our power to make sure our sweet little boy thrives and becomes the best
human being he can be. This tattoo symbolizes the link between us three
and it is also a symbol of love, life and hope. I am sure every T1
parent has said at one point “I would take his/her illness in a
heartbeat if I could!” Of course it’s impossible, but what is possible
is to show compassion, support and LOVE with all your heart!
I strongly believe that the day will come where there will be a cure for
all people with diabetes. That day my sweet child will be free along
with millions of other people. Even then, Phil and I will proudly wear
our pumps for the rest of our days in solidarity with the greatest hero
we know!
It is hard to describe how thrilled Jacob was when he saw our pumps for
the first time. All I can tell you is that the feeling we got back from
his emotions was bigger than life! We promised him he would never again
be alone in the world to wear a pump. Promise made, promise kept!
Camille, Phil and Jacob
|
For
Jake
Jake's tattoo that he had done in 2011. He's been type one diabetic since he was 4. Done by Matt Pearl at Dead Serious Tattoo in Western Springs, IL
|
For
Jake M
This is the tattoo I got about a year and a half ago. I was
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 5 years ago and it completely
changed my life. Not in a negative but it has changed.
Growing up I was around diabetes with my father being a type
2 and my close cousin a type one so it wasn't anything new
to me. But I always joked with my father about getting
matching tattoos of a diabetic theme. Well knowing a friend
that is a tattoo artist and also a diabetic he was all for
this idea, so this is what he came up with and I just fell
in love with it. So now three people now have this matching
tattoo. It's reads death by sugar at the top, but underneath
it has my meaning of life and the tools to live to keep the
balance I need. |
For
James
|
For
Jamie
For my brother Jamie. He passed away May 2nd 2011 I
miss him more and more every day. He was only 33 years old
:'(
Amanda |
For
Jan
Jan got this tattoo so he would not have to wear a medical alert necklace.
|
|
For
Janos
From Hungary diagnosed 2012.06.18
|
For
Jayde
This tattoo was done at Hosstyle
Tattoos in Fredericton, NB by Hoss Locke. My daughter Jayde
Kasia was diagnosed in November of 1996. Gina M, Boiestown, NB
|
|
For
Jdlosh
|
For
Jerry
|
 For
JeVonda
My name is JeVonda, and I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in January 2010, at age 30. I have never liked jewellery on my wrist, but ordered a bracelet anyway. Needless to say, I've only worn it 2 or 3 times in a year, so I decided to get the tattoo instead.
|

For Jocelyn
I got mine in case I ever am without my medical ID. I feel much safer having it permanently on my body. I am a Type 1.
|

For John
My name is John Solberg I have been Type
1 diabetic for 32 years. I always have hated having things
on my wrist's or around my neck but knew I needed to have a
way to let someone know in case of an emergency. This was
bought for me by my family and was done by Leif Goldrick of
Lunatic Tattoo in Vancouver, WA. This was so much better
and more than I expected and I love this tattoo!
|
For
Jonathan
I'm 25. My names Jonathan. I
have 8 tattoos and this is my newest tatt! I've been diabetic
since April 21st 2010. I got this tattoo in Daytona on Friday night.
|
For
Jordan
My name is Jordan F and this is my Diabetic tattoo. I have had this disease for 10 years (diagnosed in 2000 I was 7) and I have always wanted to have a tattoo that marked this day forever. When I go to work in the medical field it helps that I do not have on an actual id because life can get somewhat crazy. I love my tattoo because I know that anyone will know I am a Diabetic. When they develop a cure that is completely safe I want to have my diagnoses date and cured date with the word cured in the middle. I love my tattoo even if it marks a day that changed my life.
|
For
Julie
My name is Julie G and I have been a type 1 diabetic for over 25 years. I just got this tattoo in honour of diabetes awareness month. Although having the disease is a daily struggle and I have been afflicted with many of the complications of the disease, it has made me a strong, resilient, aware person. Others I have spoken to with juvenile diabetes have often said we feel like members of a special club!
|
For
Justin
|
For
Karen's Mom
In memory of my Mother who passed away after years of complications because of her diabetes!
|
For
Kathy
I got this tattoo instead of getting a
diabetic bracelet that can be easily broken. My
employer makes me cover it up while at work which defeats
the reason I got it. I work for a major health system
in my area. Kathy L
|
For
Katia
I am Katia. I have been a diabetic
since about fifth grade. I was diagnosed in September 2003.
I am 17 now so its been about 7 1/2 years. I've wanted this
tattoo for about three years. I fianlly got it so I wanted to share
it with you.
|
For
Kavan
Kavan was diagnosed in October 2009 with Type 1 diabetes. He always disliked wearing jewellery so his doctor mentioned another patient who had a tattoo done instead. Kavan found Diabetes Advocacy while looking for ideas and headed to Evolution Tattoo in Santa Rosa, CA to have the tattoo done. Po, a Taiwanese artist did the work. He did not know what diabetes was until Kavan explained that his body does not process sugar and Po realized that his good friend had the same condition! Kavan has noticed that within the first day of having his tattoo people already recognize it and an EMT friend of his said it was definitely has good as a bracelet of necklace.
|
 

For Kim
Kim didn't like any of the medical bracelets out there so
she checked out our Tattoo page and decided that this was
the way for her to wear her medical bracelet!
|
For
Kody
My son Kody was diagnosed last year at
the age of 6. It changed our lives forever. Most people don't
realize the sacrifice children and adults make daily with this
affliction. Kody is so brave he has already learned to test and give
himself injections in less than a year. He held us, his parents,
together when we didn't know what to do. My tattoo is of both of my
boys, but Kody did the colors and final dragon design. He is an
awesome artist and I wanted to do something that showed my kids will
always be supported by me but showed the strength they have no
matter what they face. Every time everyone asks, I give them the
story so they know how serious type 1 diabetes is.
Jason,
Kody's Dad
|
For
Kody
Ring is the diabetic logo ring. Nautical star is for good luck in our travels/future. Medical Alert Symbol, because it is with us forever now. Date on the left is Kody’s Birthday. Date on the right is Kody’s DX date. Both dates are dates my life changed forever! Type 1 son says it all.
|
For
Kristen
Kristen's sister Stephanie had this
tattoo done for her. I'm Steph, I got the tattoo this past summer
for my little sister, Kristen, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes
seven years ago when she was ten years old. It has the word "Nakupenda"
which is Swahili for "I love you". Kristen taught me that word a few
years back because I've always had a fascination with Africa and deeply
was interested in learning Swahili. This is for my sister showing that I
love her and support Type 1 diabetes awareness.
|
For
Kristy
I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2008. In 2009 I decided to get my diabetes tat. Since I have several tattoos it was a no brainer to get my diabetes one. I put it on my inner left wrist.
|
For
Kyle
I'm Kyle 16 live in Chicago I got this
tattoo a little over a year ago at the age of 15 because my
mom was scared about letting me leave the house because I
frequently left my med. alert bracelet at home. the tattoo
also helps to spread awareness and I think all diabetics old
and young alike should consider a medical tatt.
|
|
|
For
Libby, Alex and Tom
Based on Liam's tattoo, Darlene had this shoulder tattoo
done for her family in November 2007. A work of art...a work of
love. Thank you again for sharing with us!
|
For
Libby
Libby's tattoo, her design, the stars
are her parent's birthstones
|
For
Lindsay
Hi! My name is Lindsay and I am 24 years old; I was diagnosed 15 years ago with type 1 diabetes and have worn a medical alert bracelet every day since then...that is until this week when I got my medi-alert tattoo! I designed it myself on the computer and got it inked at a shop in Ithaca, NY. I also wanted to thank the people responsible for putting together this site; this is the place where I found the inspiration to get my own tattoo!
|
For
Lisa
The
stories on this website inspired me to finally get my tattoo.
This past August was the 19 year anniversary for me having had Type
1 Diabetes. I was 8 when I was diagnosed and I am 27 now. I am
proud of how well I have done living with a chronic disease like
this and want to bring awareness to the fact that 1 in 2 Americans
will have some form of Diabetes by 2020. Exercise and
eat in moderation. Control your glucose levels as best
as you can and educate those that refuse to acknowledge the dangers
of uncontrolled diabetes. As you all know, it is not an easy
disease to live with. I am proud of the group of people who
have shared their stories. You are all true inspirations. XOXO
Lisa
|
For
Lisa G
Hi, my name is Lisa. I was diagnosed in
1984 at the age of 17 with Type 1 diabetes. Always
non-compliant but seemed to manage, major case of
non-acceptance until last year when I finally got a pump.
Prior to that, I never wore any medical alert, hated the
bracelets, necklaces. Whilst in hospital having the pump set
up the diabetes educator went right off at me for not having
any medical alert ID. The following day I scoured jewellery
shops, chemists and on-line etc looking for something
suitable, the only one I liked was a gold bracelet that was
AUD$1,300 which I could not afford. My husband called out
from the other room "...why don't you get a tattoo..." - so
that was that! What a great idea, it has marked my 'coming
out' of denial and I have now fully accepted my condition
and have finally started looking after myself, thanks to the
pump! This tattoo means a great deal to me.
|
|
 For
Lukas
|
 For
Mark
|
|
For
Martin
My name is Martin M, I have 34 years and at 16 I have
type 1 diabetes, insulin-dependent am I live in Buenos Aires
Argentina,
and this is my tattoo, the site is very interesting.
|
For
Michael H
"Love the site, keep up the good work!" |
For
Mike
Hi there I absolutely love
the website, I
got a lot of inspiration for my tattoo from there. I
designed the
general layout with the finishing product made my Matt
Mooneyham of Hot
Rot Tattoo in Chandler, AZ. This was my second tattoo and I
wanted it to
be a diabetic id, along with a more artistic and personal
feeling. Feel
free to post it! Sincerely, Mike C. 19, AZ |
|
|
|
|
For Mike
I have Type-II diabetes ... had it for years, but only
recently began taking insulin (Lantus) with my Victoza and
Metformin. I've worn medical bracelets, an Italian charm
bracelet with a large medical diabetes charm, and two
different arm bands from
survivalstraps.com. After a while I tend to either
forget to put them on, not want to put them on anymore, and
they just end up on my bathroom counter. I had been toying
with getting a diabetes tattoo for a while and recently the
tattoo studio around the corner from our house was the
victim of an arsonist ... they lost all of their equipment
in the fire. Fortunately, they were in the process of
opening a second studio and were able to continue operations
there until they got everything settled with the insurance
and rebuild the studio. To support them during this time my
wife and I made appointments at the new shop ... on Monday I
sat down with the artist and we came up with this design.
It's pretty simply, but very visible and bright. It is
located inside of my right wrist.
|
For
Mike
My name is Kim and I got this tattoo in
honor and memory of my late husband Mike and to bring
awareness to Diabetes.
|
|
For
Mustangbaxter
|
For
Nate
|
For
Nathan
My name is Nathan Denton. I am 17 Years old. Diagnosed at age of 5 with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. Got the tattoo in 2010, a few weeks after school started. My father helped me design the tattoo. Since then, have helped other diabetic friends design their own tattoos.
|
For
Nick
My name is Nick Masters. I have been living with type 1 diabetes since I was first diagnosed in 1994. I just turned 18 and wanted to get my tattoo help promote awareness for diabetes. I originally wanted to get this because I didn't like wearing the bracelet or necklace. Most of my family members have type 1 diabetes, and I did this to help them through their struggle as well.
|
 For
Nicky G
My 8 year old son
Nick was diagnosed this year, June 23rd to be
exact. I have become an advocate for him and other
children fighting the daily fight versus Type I diabetes.
We had 80 walkers join us for the JDRF Walk for a Cure in
Denver as well as raising $6,000. A month ago Nick
said to me that he doesn’t mind the new diet, the testing or
the needles… he does mind however being different. I
told him that he can do everything his buddies can do but at
school when he has to leave class to get tested or an
insulin injection he is a little different. I promised
him I would do something that would make daddy a little
different so we could be “different” together. The
result was what you see here. The design was a
collaboration between me and Robyn Emlen at Elemental Ink in
Denver. Robyn made a personal goal of hers to design
this tattoo – she did a great job!! I showed my son
last night how we are both a little different… he hugged me
so hard he almost broke me in half and said “I will never
forget this daddy”.
|
|
For
Nicole
My name is Nicole and I am a 21yo nursing student. My thought was, you’d never loose a tattoo, unlike a bracelet or necklace, there is no breeding ground for bacteria, and in case of an “upset patient”, you wouldn’t get it ripped off, or get caught on machinery. I was diagnoses with diabetes in 1999. I just wanted to show my tat to others, and inform them that medical identification tats are becoming more common. Don't just look for a bracelet anymore!
|
For
Olivia
I just turned 18 and have had type 1 diabetes almost 10 years now. I am headed off to college soon and instead of having to wear a medical id bracelet all the time I wanted to get a tattoo. Not only will this be helpful in an emergency situation it also is a constant reminder to be checking blood sugars often and keeping things under control. I also think the Caduceus is a very beautiful symbol.
|
For
Patricia
Love your
website, and wanted to share mine that I just got today! Thank you
|
 For
Paul
This is my first ever tattoo, done by
Big Deal Tattoos in La Guerche de Bretagne, I'm a type II
diabetic on Eucreas and Glimépiride, I was showing my sons
the tattoo's on your site and they offered to pay for me to
have one, the owner of the shop had never done a medical
related tattoo so was keen to do it and add it to his
portfolio so he did the tattoo at a very good price, I didnt
realise how much it would hurt, I think a large tattoo for a
first, the bottom of the dagger on my wrist was painfull and
most of the right hand side, the left side though was OK, if
I had known how much it would hurt I don't think I would
have done it, but now I'm glad I did, I really like it, I
think I'm going to get him to put some red on the word
diabetic, I think that needs to stand out a little more. I
decided to go with the English spelling I felt "diabétique"
was a little much. Paul
|
For
Peyton
My son Peyton was just diagnosed as pre-diabetic on January 5 of 2010, three weeks before his 4th birthday. The specialist says his pancreas is failing and there is nothing we can do to stop it. I feel so helpless for my son so I support diabetes research with my newest tattoo of the ribbon butterfly
|
For
Reenie
I was diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic in October 2003. I controlled it with diet and exercise until January 2011. I decided to get a tattoo because I didn't like the medical alert jewelry and wanted something permanent. I got the tattoo 11/3/2011.
|
For
Rick
|
For
Rob
Rob had this tattoo done in July 2010
|
For
Robin
I became diabetic at the age of 9. Have had it 20 years now. One of the rare times I ever wore my chain, it saved my life. Cops were called in because I was reported drunk. When they arrived on scene I was unconscious and luckily they found my necklace and called the paramedics. Even since then, I still hate to wear it, I actually don't even know where it is. The EMT recommended a tattoo, and after several years I have finally gotten one. The lettering is bold and ugly, but I wanted it to be clearly legible and visible. Its more than just an art piece. Robin M
|

For Robin
My name is Robin and I was
diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1987 at the age of 11.
This is my way of bringing awareness of diabetes to others.
I got it yesterday and it is my very first tattoo!
|
For
Samantha
I just got this tattoo today. I love
the bold font, and how it manages to be both legible and
interesting-looking. I've been a type 1 since October of
2011. I'm not a bracelet person, so this is perfect for me!
|
|
For
Savannah
Stillborn child of Mindy King and Ryan Spenser due to Mindy's diabetes
|
For
Sarah
I got this tattoo after a few of my friends had gotten advocacy tattoos, and I considered it for 2 years before passing out at work. It made me realize the importance of always having a medical ID.
|
For
Sarah
I've had diabetes for about 16 years. I've gone through countless
braclets, anklets, and necklaces throughout the years and I'm just
not one to keep up with jewelry well. Medical IDs are expensive and
it was costing a lot for me to continue to wear one, so for $40 and
about an hour of my time, I got permanently marked. Not like its
never going to go away! And now that my 3 year old son has diabetes,
he sees and understands what "mommy's mark" is and feels included
since it matches what's on his necklace. Now he knows he's not the
only one that's different.
|
For
Stephanie's Mom
I lost my mom due to complications of diabetes on December of 2008. I hope they continue to search for a cure.....Stephanie V
|
For
Stuart
This is my tattoo I got in July of 08. I
am 19 and I was diagnosed when I was 16 months old. I have
pretty tight control and am still very active, I am a
college football player and I don't let diabetes interfere
with the sport I love. I got the tattoo so that in the case
of emergency paramedics could see that I'm a diabetic and
then take the appropriate action. Since I've had it I
realize that not a lot of people know what diabetes is so
the tattoo helps me to educate those around me about the
disease.
|
For
Suzanne
This is my new art work - the heart represents
my precious family - I love how the awareness ribbon has been
incorporated into the heart. My son Michael was diagnosed with Type
1 Diabetes at the age of four. It is nearly 13 years since Type 1
Diabetes arrived, uninvited, in our family bringing with it the ups,
downs and struggles that are part of Type 1. Thankfully it also
brought new friends who share the same journey. We are grateful for
the technology available today to make managing Type 1 easier but
still hope and pray that a cure is not far away.
|

For T.J.
|
For
Tanyss
|
Submitted
by Stephanie
|
For
Tracy
|
For
Wil
|
For
Xenia
|
For
Zach
My name is Zach F. I've had Diabetes
since I was 6. I am now 18. I got this tattoo when I was 16
because I played sports and was not allowed to wear any
medical alert bands so I figured no one could tell me to
take this off haha. It definitely helped with sports and now
I feel safer if anything complications ever happen in the
future.
|
For
Zak and Bella
This is another of our original awareness
tattoos.
|
I
have been a type 1 diabetic for 20 years. After a near-death
experience at work (that would have been on the expressway
if it happened one hour later) there was no reason
NOT to do this! I don't wear my medic alert bracelet at
work. |
Other Tattoo Designs and ideas.... |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |

|
I have recently been diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic. I
have given some thought to getting some ink for several reasons. As I
have a friend that is a paramedic he told me that when they are
confronted with a unconscious person they typically follow the same
protocol and give then a cocktail designed to counter act any narcotics
on board and glucose/sugar. I have also read some post by paramedics
that actually look for tats and other signs, My biggest concern however
is if I end up in the ER if I have something identifying me as I
diabetic it could only help. I am in construction and find my self in
many situations that jewelry is prohibited. As many of you may already
know the walls in the tattoo shops aren't exactly filled with choices
for our specific needs so I have drawn a few ideas I would like to share
and possible get some input. Also if anyone was looking for ideas you
are free to use any of these. Thank you, Richard White |