Diabetics getting medical tattoos instead of medical alert bracelets

A growing number of people with a chronic disease like diabetes are choosing to get medical tattoos instead of medical alert bracelets in order for people to instantly know about their illness.

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Beverly-Ann van Bovene can no longer lose her medical identification bracelet — because she has had it tattooed on to her wrist.

She has Type 1 diabetes and identification is important for diabetics because if they pass out or go into a coma, paramedics will know exactly what to do.

But she was one of those kids who kept losing hers and when she became a teenager she wanted a gold one worth about $400, which she could not afford.

Now she has become one of a growing number of people with a chronic disease that are getting medical tattoos.

Beverly-Ann van Bovene, pictured with her son Hunter, got a tattoo which reveals she is a diabetic. Picture: Adam Head

Beverly-Ann van Bovene decided to get her diabetic medical tattoo on her wrist. Picture: Adam Head

“The type 1 is in red and there is a black ribbon and everyone has said what a good idea. When I was in hospital having my baby, all the doctors and nurses said it was a good idea,” she said, adding she opted for the wrist because people usually look there when they check for a pulse.

“I’m proud of it, there’s no hiding I’m diabetic. You go through a depression when you are a teen and then you stop that and become proud and then the public and the paramedics know you are diabetic and it raises awareness.

“The other thing is, if you wear a medical bracelet or necklace, people assume you have an allergy.”

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About 1.7 million Australians have either type 1 or 2 diabetes. Type 1 rely on insulin to survive. Diabetes can cause blindness, heart disease, kidney problems and amputations.

Doctor Dorota Pawlak, from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, said many people with type 1 diabetes liked to have their identification on them.

“If they lose consciousness, or go into a diabetic coma, health professionals will immediately know it might be related to Type 1 diabetes and that helps provide better, faster treatment,” Dr Pawlak said.

“It’s an attractive idea, it is much more acceptable and common to have a tattoo these days but we say get advice from a health professional first because people with type 1 diabetes can have longer healing times due to the high sugar levels.”

Diabetic Kim Howard decided to get a tattoo after she lost her medical bracelet. Picture: Toby Zerna

Kim Howard decided on getting an infinity symbol on her wrist. Picture: Toby Zerna

Kellyville mother of two Kim Howard got her tattoo last year after she lost her medical ID bracelet while on holidays.

“I said to my mum I should just get a tattoo then I won’t lose it,” she said.

“She hates tattoos because my sisters have them and she swung around and said: ‘Why not?’ I nearly fell over.”

She opted for an infinity tattoo on the inside of her wrist.

“People will always look at your wrist or neck and, if you are diabetic, they will know what to do,” Ms Howard said.

Originally published as Diabetics getting medical tattoos instead of medical alert bracelets