Why did the insulin die in my pancreas?

“I want to get my nose/eyebrow/lip pierced..”

“You can’t!! Not with your Type 1 Diabetes!

That’s the immediate response most people who have knowledge about Type 1 Diabetes would give!  I am often asked by teenagers and parents alike if it’s safe to get facial adornments. To be really honest, I don’t have a concrete answer. I decided to investigate whether the truth about the high risk factor associated with Type 1 Diabetes and facial piercing is a fact or a myth.

There have been some horror stories and even fatalities that have circulated around for a few years now about the risks of facial piercing. Most doctors would highly recommend that you avoid the appeal of getting a piercing if you have Type 1 Diabetes.

However, I had a tete-a-tete with a friend who lives with Type 1 Diabetes, and  recently experienced getting her nose pierced.

Robyn, a 17 year old student, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 3 years ago, a few weeks before she was due to commence boarding school. She has experienced the rollercoaster ride that most newly diagnosed kids endure-the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows. A year later, she started insulin pump therapy.

This evening, we had a tete-a-tete about what happened when she bit the bullet and had her consultation and appointment at a piercing studio.

Robyn! Thank you so much for helping us untangle one of  life’s little mysteries!

(Robyn) “That’s okay. I hope it helps people decide if piercing is for them!”

You obviously knew that you wanted to get your nose pierced. Did you consult your doctor first?

((Robyn) “No, I didn’t.”

You chose a highly reputable piercing studio. Did they provide any precautionary advice?

(Robyn) “Yes they did. They did not know I was a diabetic, yet they even mentioned that there were risks associated with piercings and uncontrolled Type1 Diabetes. My piercer went into great detail about how the healing process will be lengthy and the chance of infections are high in a person that often experiences high bsls and HBA1c’s.”

Speaking of which, how is everything going with your levels?

Oh really good. My last HBA1C was 6.9% and I have lost 2-and-a-half kilos since my last bloodwork.

Wow! That’s amazing! So I take it that and your pump are great friends now !

Most definitely. I had to go back on injections for a week whilst I waiting for a replacement pump..I’d forgotten how horrible it was, and my readings were terrible. I was so glad to have my pump back!

Well! That’s impressive that they went into thorough detail about risks regarding Type 1 Diabetes!  I am unpierced myself, so you’ll have to tell me if it was as agonising as it looks…

(Robyn) Ohhhh I can’t remember a lot from just before he did it until after it was done. It hurt a lot! However, once it was in, the pain subsided (for me anyway!)

So what kind of aftercare did they provide?

(Robyn) Well they said it would take 20 minutes for my nose to close, and I was amazed at how quickly it healed. They were really meticulous about being very aware of reporting any severe pain, inflammation or any changes to the area, like discharge even in the middle of the night. . I had to wash it with a special antiseptic lotion everyday, and leave the trainer stud in for the first couple of weeks.”

So, basically, would you say that from the information that you were given, plus your own personal experience-your Type 1 Diabetes is under tight control, and you followed the strict advice of the piercer to pay special attention regarding hygiene -that it is safe for a person with controlled Diabetes to get a piercimg?

(Robyn)” Yep. That’s pretty much nailed it on the head!”(Hmm..nice wording..)

Thanks  so much Robyn, for sharing your experience, I’m so glad it went well for you! Your information will also help other people decide whether they are a suitable candidate for facial or oral piercings.

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After speaking to one person who had a successful experience with a nose piercing, and after researching the danger associated with Type 1 Diabetes, I would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of getting a piercing to:

• Look and ask around for someone with experience and an established reputation. ( Anyone can purchase a $300 starter kit and set themselves up a business!)
• Be aware that no matter how experienced the piercer is, there is still chance of danger regarding infection or cosmetic damage. Look for discharge, swelling, redness; be aware of feeling generally unwell, nauseous or feverish and be meticulous with the recommended cleansing routine .
• Be more vigilant with finger pricks for a few days, repeated results that are high for no particular reason should be reported to your doctor or health nurse straight away.
• Have a card in your wallet stating that you have Type 1 Diabetes, and where your piercing is located-( not all are visible!!)- in case you are admitted to hospital for any reason, just so the staff can remove the jewellery.
• Be aware that once you have a piercing,  you still have to maintain good hygiene (rotating the ring/bar often) for as long as you have it. There is still risk of infection even after the piercing  is completely healed.
• IF YOU ARE THE LEAST BIT CONCERNED, contact your GP or HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. If you are feeling unwell, feverish, or the tissue around the site is hot, red or throbbing, you could quickly develop a life-threatening infection that can be halted by immediate treatment. Do not wait until your doctor opens the next morning, get straight to the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital!
• Ensure that your piercer is gloved, and only uses individual, sterile, sealed needles. Needle Guns are a HUGE risk for infection. They are difficult to clean properly, and expose other clients to blood borne viruses.
• Talk to your GP before your appointment with your piercer, and suggest starting an antibiotic before the procedure. If they agree, it’s smart to continue the medication until finished, just to enhance healing and avoiding infection.

There are risks associated with any facial or oral piercings. Having Diabetes doesn’t mean that you can’t have one, you just have to ensure that your overall health is in excellent condition, and that you are prepared to put in the effort of keeping it clean. Personally, I would suggest daily doctor checkups for a few days after getting a piercing, for your own piece of mind, and so that your doctor knows that you are safe and well.

*This report is based on the findings of research, and from the personal experience of an individual with Type 1 Diabetes. Talk to your parents and GP so that they can help and guide you to make smart decisions.*