I am a 44 year old diabetic. I have been taking insulin since I was 19 years old. I've had a stroke and a near heart attack in the past. I want to get tattos on the shin area of both of my legs. Is this possible without major health risks?

Yes, it is possible. However, if you have bad circulation in your legs then the skin may split when the ink is applied. Does the skin seem to be tough on your shins? If not, you might want to re-think placement.

Shins...ouch... Tattoo B gave you good advice...as long as you are taking care of yourself and you take extra special care of the tattoo you should be fine...it may take longer to heal but you should be fine. You can always do the outline and let that heal and then go back for shading another time...hope it works out for you!

I feel for ya buddy...I had Gestational Diabetes...it wasn't fun at all.

I'm diabetic and get inked. As long as your blood sugars are under control and at a good level, and you have no other underlinning health problems in regards to your diabetes, you should be good to go. Just be extra careful and keep that tat clean.

You mentioned that you have had a heart attack/ or near heart attack. Are you taking coumadin/ warfarin or any other blood thinners for this condition? If so, you should discuss getting tattooed with your family doctor before going in to get inked, just to make sure your INR levels are o.k. If not and your blood is too thin you might encounter problems, and as a diabetic, you should discuss healing, in regards to tattoing with your doctor also, because that can be a serious issue for people with diabetes. Good luck!

Sure they can..Hey I'm a daibetic too. For 10 years now. I've been taking insuline since i was nine. I got tattooes too. but i recommend u talk to your doc first. for risks. Or you can do what i did. I just went and get it. But that is on your own consent. Take care...

I'm a vascular tech, and I was a little worried when I saw your question. Have you ever had the arteries in your legs evaluated, either with angio or ultrasound? If you get pain/cramping in your legs when you walk certain distances, you could have significant arterial disease in your legs, and if you got a tattoo on your lower leg you may not have adequate blood supply to heal the wound properly. If you have already gotten your
tattoo(s), I hope you are doing ok. I was just a little concerned, because from what you wrote it sounds like you have had a problem with arterial disease elsewhere in your body. Hope this helps - Good luck with your tattoos!

I am diabetic and also on blood thinners. I have had 3 tattoos done with out any problems. The only thing that I needed to do was stop the blood thinners 4 days prior to getting inked. As far as healing, I have found that it takes about a week or so longer to heal. Other that that, you should be fine with your Dr's ok

I'd say getting ink with your condition is like a post op heart transplant patient going for a jog.

Can it be done? Yes.

Should it be done. Sure.

What should I do beforehand? CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.

We can probably all collectively on here give you decent advice based on past experiences and so on. BUT..you might have certain condtions or be on certain meds we have no knowledge of and therefore could be putting you at the wrong end of the firing range by advising you.

As a doctor, I must say that there can be some risks associated, especially with the healing process. Blood flow is required for healing to take place; if yours is compomised, there could be some serious implications. See your doctor first, he or she is probably the only person who has enough knowledge of your history to make that call.

hey i think you should be able to get a tattoo... i was talking with my doctor because i am a diabetic also and it just might take you longer to heal.
and isnt darren diabetic?