After reading this and other related threads I’m now thinking about getting a tattoo on my left wrist. I’d probably get just the word “diabetic”, hopefully quite small but clearly written in a simple sans-serif font without any symbol, so functional, not decorative.
Does anyone have such a tattoo? I’d be interested in seeing them.
If I ever get in a situation where I don’t particularly want to show it (an initial job interview for example) I guess a watch strap will cover it.
or a bandaid 
I feel so left out. I don’t wear anything, haven’t since I was diagnosed. My Mum wanted me to when I was still at hers, but I didn’t like the idea of advertising it, and I dont like to wear much jewellery. Two rings and a watch, that’s my lot.
I like the idea of a tattoo but I’m a wuss so that’s not happening. Might have to get a new ring and have it engraved: nice quasi-celtic font: “DIABETIC - GIVE CHOCOLATE IF CONFUSED”
:O)
I am am member of the Medic Alert Foundation (www.medicalert.org). For a nominal annual cost, they secure my important medical data, emergency contacts, doctor contacts, allergies, and other important health info. I wear a necklace (that I put on when I get dressed, and leave hidden under blouses) that is imprinted with… “Type 1 diabetes”, other impt health info, a toll-free ph # for people to call in an emergency, and my member ID #.
Medic Alert has saved the lives of many, many people over the years they’ve existed. I’ve been a member almost as long as I’ve been Type 1 diabetic (17 yrs). I encourage you to check out their website. I wear a necklace with a Medic Alert symbol & their ph# on one side, and my info on the other side, but they offer other options. A (permanent) tattoo wouldn’t be a good idea, I think, because down the road when changes occur (like your tastes in things, your health, emergency contacts, doctors, your address/ph#) you can easily change the records with Medic Alert, AND change the way you let people know you have diabetes.
I wear a medical alert bracelet at all times (name/ type 1 diabetes/ insulin dependent), I have also marked my driver’s license and I have my doctor’s business card right behind the driver’s license.
I’ve been a diabetic for 33 years and honestly I’d never heard of Medic Alert until a few minutes ago. I think it’s something that’s a good idea in the USA but outside, it may not be any use. In fact I just checked and they have no affiliate associations in mainland europe so nobody will know anything about them here in France and the “toll free” numbers certainly won’t work.
If I go ahead with a tattoo I plan on putting a single word “D I A B E T I C” on my wrist, which should mean something in most countries and it’s significance and relevance is unlikely to change for me.
I like the tattoo idea…but, someday we are going to be cured and then I would have to have it removed (hurts worse then the tattoo,i’ve heard) or I would just have to add “Former Diabetic”!
i was thinking about the being cured thing also but i didn’t think of add the word former to it…great idea!!
I dont ever wear any, but I am considering a tatoo of some sort…
I already have 2 tattoo’s, what is one more??? I am really thinking about getting a diabetic one, has to be pretty!
i have a cheep cvs necklace that says insulin dependent diabetic… the only time i needed it (got into a car wreck) they didn’t see it and thought that i was drunk. later they told me that they are trained to look at finger tips (i had been testing on my fore arm) and wrist for id. i still were the thing, but i have no confidence in any one that may find me…
I have a medicalert I wear on my left wrist… I NEVER TAKE IT OFF
On the front: MedicAlert
On the Back: Type 1 Diabetes,No VP/BP Left Arm-DVT, Anaphylaxis to Latx, PCN, IVP,IV Dyes, Carrys EPI-PEN
Then gives the 800 # and my member ID
I also have 2 wallet cards in 2 different places in my wallet. I have a window decal “Diabetic Driver” on my car then on my dads and mom’s car “MedicAlert Member” on the passenger side. And in my purse I have a makeup bag that has all my pump supplies and Epi-Pen and meter case that has “TYPE 1 DIABETIC Anaphylaxis to Latex” writen on both of them. Then in my day planner I have a Wallet card taped in there. and in big red letters. Type 1 diabetes uses pump, anaphylaxis to latex, pcn,ivp/iv dyes. Please call …
Then on the back of my license I added a red sticker (that I stole from my doctors office) that says “Diabetic”
I have a card in my freestyle glucosemeter , in my bag. Nothing else. There’s no medical alert bracelet in my country.
here’s what I was thinking of doing. It’s not pretty I know, but just functional and clear. Could perhaps add “Type 1” underneath.
Note that this isn’t a real tattoo, I just edited this in an image editor to see what it might look like. It’s not my wrist either!
Paul, I like it! I would have “type1” or"insulin" put on it. I am thinking of getting one, I’ll have to design one I like and maybe go soon???
Reading this thread makes me feel bad!
I wear nothing.
And after a recent visit to the hospital…that started with my acting (as my boyfriend said) “drunk,” I’ve been thinking heavily about getting some jewelry or maybe even a tattoo.
Like a few of you that have written here, I hate jewelry. I don’t wear a watch. I don’t wear anything. Anyone wear something super sleek and small?
And are medics and EMTs trained to look for tattoos???
i have a dog tag with my name, type one, all of my meds and three ice numbers.
I have a bracelet that has my name, type 1 diabetes, on insulin, and then some other health info. My phone has an ICE number that calls my husband and i have a card in my wallet that says I"m diabetic and in my meter case I have my dr’s info and slightly more detailed medical history on a laminated 3x5 card
I have a “Medic Alert” braclet with all my info. and a medic alert card in my wallet.