Perusing web sites in search of a really awesome medical ID bracelet, I started to really wonder how effective these things were. I wanted something noticable to the folks who needed to see it, but barely there for those who didn't. Much to my delight, I found charms that you could attach to a bracelet. But still I wondered if the right people would see it.

So I quizzed a friend of mine who is an EMT at our local hospital about whether or not I needed to bother getting a fancy--or not so fancy--medical ID bracelet. She gave me one of those "Do you really need me to answer that question?" looks.

"No, we won't notice the charms," she said. "Or likely the necklaces or even bracelets."

"Well, it's a great comfort to know that if I'm involved in an accident and unconscious and can't discuss my diabetes that I'll be well taken care of by the paramedics WHO WON'T EVEN KNOW MY MEDICAL CONDITION!" I ranted sarcastically.

"Oh, well, you really don't have to worry because one of our standard procedures when someone is passed out is to check their blood sugar," she told me.

Oh. OK, well I guess I feel better. But still, why do I need to wear the darn ID?

For several months after my diagnosis in February 2005 I opted out of wearing any sort of medical ID. I wasn't hiding or anything, I guess I just didn't feel it was necessary. And then I got pregnant, and I became responsible for two lives. I got an ID bracelet.

But, ever the one to try to save money, I didn't want to shell out for the really nice $50, $60, $100 bracelets. I also didn't want some boring, plain, silver bracelet with no personality. So I bought a cheapo $5 bracelet from a drug store and had The Mr. remove the chain. A few beads and some jewelry wire and clasps made for a snazzy accessory. I made several that coordinated with a number of outfits I have. I even got compliments on them. (What do you know...someone noticed!)

I'm not exactly sure when, but sometime after the baby was born, the discount store clasps failed and I lost the bracelet. I think I figured that since I wasn't pregnant any more that I really didn't need the bracelet. I know, great logic, right?

No. 3 will be 2 in December (man how did that happen?) and I've been thinking more and more lately that I really should be wearing an ID bracelet. If nothing else, for my own piece of mind that, even if a blood sugar test is standard operating procedure, my bases are covered.