Avoiding Complications For Diabetics From Body Piercing

It was only a few short decades ago that piercing the body was only confined to our ears. Now, virtually any, and we do mean any, the body part can be pierced. Fashionably and socially, it is a common occurrence that requires nothing more than the individual's consent. But when the individual receiving a piercing has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, there is much more to take into consideration.

Just because you have diabetes, it doesn't mean you can never have body piercings. What it does mean is having them performed without taking certain precautions can be unnecessarily dangerous.

The most crucial rule involving piercing of any part of your body is to make sure your blood sugar levels are normal before the piercing is performed. This is due to the fact piercings, even when performed under the most sterile of circumstances, can quickly become infected. If your blood sugar levels are out of "whack", the infection will be quick to set in.

Another important consideration is to make sure you have eaten an adequate meal within a reasonable amount of time before having the piercing performed. Sometimes delays occur as unexpected bleeding can develop and naturally will need to be controlled. You might have to wait for a certain period as the area clots. This is not a good time to realize you have skipped a meal or a snack, and do not have any food or glucose tablets with you.

It is also essential to factor in what area of the body you are having pierced. Under normal conditions, it is okay to have piercings anywhere you like. But diabetics have to remember some areas need to be reserved for taking their blood sugar readings and for administering insulin injections. Since some parts of the body are better to carry out these functions, they should be kept free of close piercings.

Another reason to avoid piercing certain areas of your body is due to poor circulation. You always want to refrain from penetrating an area that is known for developing limited flow as it will prevent the area from healing correctly. Even if circulation isn't an issue now, it could cause problems further down the road, especially if the person with diabetes isn't managing their condition as well as they should be.

Last is to make sure the person performing the piercing is qualified to do so. It is also essential to the shop where the piercing will take place, and the equipment involved is sanitary and sterile. This will severely cut down on the risk of developing any infection.