I've gone back and forth about whether to wear a medical ID bracelet. Part of me says I shouldn't bother because once a paramedic friend of mine told me one of the first things they do to a person who has passed out is to check their blood sugar. Part of me says I should wear one as an extra measure of caution.
I wore a medical ID bracelet throughout my third pregnancy. I don't think I ever took it off -- not in the shower, not for exercise, nothing. I don't remember why I stopped wearing it. Perhaps I lost it. In fact, now that I think about it, I think that's exactly what happened. I had removed the ugly silver chain and replaced it with strands of colorful beads to match whatever I was wearing. Well, the chains and clasps were cheap and ...
It wasn't until I started back on MDI and my diagnosis was changed to type 1/LADA that I thought I better start wearing the ID bracelet again. I found a company that sold only the ID plates. Again with the cheap chains and beads. And, of course, I lost it.
Last week I ordered another. I plan to visit one of the many bead shops around here to get the good beads and the good chains and the good clasps. I'm not interested in losing another bracelet.
Seeing as it took me close to nine months to get around to ordering another bracelet shows me that I'm not all that convinced that I need one. I know there are plenty of people out there who get along fine without wearing one. Heck, I have for this long. Of course, I haven't been in a serious accident.
I think what really pushed me to order another ID plate was my new walking routine. I take no identification with me whatsoever. I don't even take my phone, though I probably should. Although I test my sugar before bed and as soon as I wake up, there's still no guarantee that something won't happen while walking. And how long will it take for someone to find me? And then what?
My ID bracelet has my name, my phone number and the phrase "I take insulin." It's the bare minimum, and I think it will give me a little peace of mind.
There has been ongoing heated discussion about the utility of medical IDs on several of the online communities. For every person who they've helped, there's another who's had a bad experience with first-responders either not looking for the ID, not finding the ID on the person, not responding to the information on the medical ID, or not responding appropriately to that information.
Couple this with the fact that in most communities, first-responders are basic EMTs who do not have the certification to break the skin barrier in the course of treatment. They are not allowed to test your blood glucose (even with your own monitor) or administer insulin or glucagon. (They can, however, assist you to monitor yourself or inject yourself.) That being said, the alert -- when seen -- does let them know to contact the hospital quickly to get you the appropriate care.
I would NOT take that walk without ANY identification -- in some areas it is a misdemeanor (prosecuted as either "loitering" or "vagrancy") to be caught walking around without identification. Also, your cellphone can be used to call for help and/or to store ICE information.
Bare minimum, carry your driver's license and cellphone, and if you feel the need, meter and glucose tabs.
I'm sorry--but this comment is full of misinformation and bears a reply. First, the remark about not carrying ID being a misdemeanor--Although these laws were (and maybe still are) on the books around the country, they have been ruled unconstitutional. One does NOT have to carry ID while out walking, and in fact, doesn't have to answer a police officer's questions, even those meant to illicit identification. (Of course, if you're driving or are reasonably suspected of having committed a crime, you may be arrested for not producing a driver's license or otherwise identifying yourself.)
That said, I think it's a good idea to wear a bracelet. The justifications listed in this particular comment for NOT wearing one make no logical sense. Just because a "first responder" doesn't see the bracelet, or is "not certified" to appropriately treat you, or even possibly gives inappropriate treatment--that is not a valid reason to not wear the bracelet. You're still better off (I believe) if they at least know you're diabetic than if they don't. That knowledge just might save valuable minutes needed to save your life.
Also--What about non-medical personnel like police officers or security guards who might otherwise just assume you're intoxicated and arrest you or even rough you up (as we've seen happen in recent stories)? If wearing the bracelet increases the chance that they'll identify you as someone with an illness and not just a drunk, it's worth it to wear it.
I had hoped the pump and tubing would be enough.
This one is EASY. What happens when the first people who find you are NOT trained? Not paramedics, police, emt, etc?
The ID helps them figure out why we are walking funny, laying on the ground at their feet. If you alter the necklaces, bracelets to make them pretty jewelry... NEVER something you want to happen.
You want the ID to stand out and be very, very clear what it is!
Stuart
The day something does happen, you'll regret you didn't wear an ID bracelet due to vanity. For years, I had a gold custom made bracelet which simply said Diabetic on the underside. I wore it all the time. One day, after 34 years of type 1 diabetes, I had a serious low. I didn't feel it coming until too late and I went into convulsions and passed out on the floor. I was lucky to be in the company of my 10 year old son when it happened. He was amazing in how he handled the situation and I am forever thankful he was there. He tried reviving me, but EMTs were necessary. My son calmly did everything one should in such a situation and called 911. It was soon after that episode that I decided I needed a more informative ID bracelet and decided to go with a bracelet from MedicAlert. As you probably know, there is an ID# assigned to you. When the number is called into the company, all your medical history is available to the EMTs or doctors treating you; who to contact during the event, etc. What would happen if the unexpected should happen again and I am not with someone who knows me? Please consider wearing any ID tag at the very least. You never know when/if a diabetic situation may occur - I sure didn't.
Best of luck.
I've had the same expansion type ID bracelet for nearly 30 years, and it passes as jewelry. I've worn it for SCUBA and skiing, and while its scratches, it still looks ok. I always wear it while traveling. (I'm kinda belt-and -suspenders, I also wear a necklace and have a medical ID card in my wallet, labels in my meter,insulin case, etc)
On the outside it has a caduceus, it has a cover that flips over, inside I've used a thermal label maker to list my condition, insulin regimen and doctors' phone number.
I don't know if it's even made any more, the band says Speidel. Mine is stainless steep,I think it also came in gold or copper finish. When I got it there was a ladies version, slightly smaller.
Michelle,
I would feel so much better to know that you were wearing a bracelet when you walk. I live on a 64 acre campus of an orphanage...I'm a housemother.....and I buzz all over this place on foot and bicycle. Those are sure fire lows! (in fact, I have a low right now from working in the commissary stacking food- sigh-)
Could you also make you a little fanny pack with some glucose tabs and your meter? That way you are prepared for anything! I'm preaching to the choir here....I didn't take my meter or glucose with me this morning and had to make it home with a 60. Lucky I had the car and not a bicycle. All too often, folks on this campus come upon me sitting near the road, fixing a low. I'm safe here because everyone knows I'm diabetic, but you don't have the same safety net in a neighborhood.
Whatcha think? I just want you to be safe!
Mousie
I don't know about jewelry as an acompanyment but for myself and my piece of mind I'm getting a tattoo of my conditions and my diabetes. I figure it's kind of hard to miss a 6" tattoo on somebody's chest of a diabetic and schizoaffective/bipolar warning. But that's just my choice.
I just don't get why people could be so vain about a piece of jewerly that could save their life. Maybe there still in denial about Diabetes. Who Knows! I have been Diabetic for 13 years and never have I gone without a medical braclet. Its piece of mind for me.
As far as walking without ID. Whether your a Diabetic or not, you should always carry some type of ID or cell phone. You never know what could happen.
I read this information about medic allert and all the other brands of medical id's and yet being without a job and fighting trying to get Social Security after loosing my vision for over 3 1/2 weeks due to high glucose build up inside my eyes I feel rejected and a bit helpless since most medical id's are just too expensive after paying all the other costs involved in diabetic care out of pocket while out of work living on my wife's modest income. Test supplies, vitimans, medications, and all the other things necessary just to strech life out a little longer and survive is very hard and even more so when it seems most if not all the companies involved in treatment and care of this condition that was forced upon me by both sides of my family having diabetic histories make costs so high that protection and ID's are just out of reach in my situation. I also might add I have other serious helth conditions and problems caused by injuries and after a doctor told us to apply for Social Security and we even heard him dictate this and my situation we found that he had not documented this information and being without a job now we can't even afford to try and make this doctor produce what he said he was going to and can't afford all the tests done again.
So, Id's would be great but who needs them if you can't afford them and are caught in that area where you can't get help because you have an income even though it isn't enoughf to manage to live on. In fact even if found with ID I couldn't afford medical help at the hospitals around here with no insurance now even if you get treatment they hound you to death for payment and harrass and make threats on the phone every day when you owe them. The Id is just necessary for people that can afford the help and only good if people look at it or check for them.
Michelle,
I haD the same dilemma. What I have done is embrace technology...here is the detail. I bought a keychain type "Jump Drive" a red one. I added all of my medical files to the jumpdrive - Doctors Info, Medicines, surgery, etc. And on the card in my wallet it states this information is there IN ADDITION THE ALERT THAT I AM A DIABETIC AND A HEART PATIENT.
I hope this helps...
I have a bracelet that I'm very fond of now. It has the medical symbols on it and "diabetic". Its striking enough that people who aren't EMTs look at it, so I'm confident it would be noticed in an emergency. (its by Tucci charms, and was very reasonably priced)
I got it after being in a somewhat serious scooter accident and passing out (not from being low). If I hadn't woke up, it might have taken them a long time to figure out that my blood sugar might be an issue.
@cplicciard That was a very callous comment to make. Everyone has their own issue with diabetes and it expresses itself in different ways for different people.
I struggled with it as well and I'm going on 19 years. Having diabetes for a long time doesn't make you superior to anyone to tell them what they should and should not feel.
Its not really about the prettiness of it as much as it is about the fact that you have to look at it and remember you're a diabetic every minute of every day. I like mine to look nice so that it identifies me as a diabetic, but I don't have to look down at something ugly when typing and make it make me hate my diabetes.
Plus a lot of the uncustomized ones have those skin pinching closers, or are hard for old people to open and close (I do take mine off in the shower), or cause wrist pain while doing heavy typing (a must in many professions).
Now that I'm on the pump I carry a variety of pieces of emergency ID and equipment, so it would be very hard for the EMTs to miss.
@Michelle (the author), I'm glad you ordered the bracelet. But take your drivers license and other ID and a credit card or debit card with you. You never know what might happen - a couple years ago, a woman on a walk was kidnapped and she snuck away at a truck stop and used her credit card to call home.
There's no reason for anyone to not to wear have a medical ID because of the cost.
At the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation you can get a FREE necklace and FREE ID card.
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http://www.diabeteswellness.net
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The necklace has a simple beaded chain that can be cut to fit. the medallion says "I Have Diabetes Please Test My Blood Before Treating Me".
Although they are harder to spot, a necklace is easier to to put on that a bracelet, unless the bracelet has an expansion band. The advantage of a necklace is that you might lose a hand in an accident, but are unlikely to lose your head and still need medical attention! ;-)
As much as I want to wear diabetes id, I have been allergic to metals for many years, so wearing bracelets or necklaces is not an option. Is there a rubber bracelet available
(like the Armstrong cancer bracelets?)
Yes there is a sport type rubber bracelet. Check out Medicalert.com
My dad got a bracelet at roadid.com. It is a velcro bracelet with a metal plate on the outside of it. You can put alot of info on it and they now have one that can be linked to a phone number that has all your info. They come in several colors and are easy and comfy to use. He loves it.
try this site--- http://www.coolmedid.com
they have silicon bracelets of all colors, i have lots of colors and match what i am wearing. they start at 3.49 each plus s/h.check it out.
http://www.coolmedid.com
check out this site
I have several medical conditions along with my diabetes. I also have severe allergic reactions to most commonly used pain meds. Therefore, when I saw the MedicAlert email for purchasing the bracelet and additional services they afforded, I jumped on the wagon.
Since I attend a church with several elderly and diabetic members who live alone, it was essential for me to give them the information.
If you fall out, the MedicAlert bracelet lists your allergies and a few medical conditions. It also provides you with a number that medical personnel can access to get a list of your pertinent information, i.e., medications, doctors names, nearest relative, etc.
It makes sense to be proactive than reactive. My blood sugar became low during a funeral. It was the one time I fell out and could not remember my childrens' names that this bracelet was essential to my survival.
I hope this comment will help someone.
God Bless -- Debbie
why not buy the temporary tattoos that have been advertised? I once used an indelible marker to write pertinent info on my thigh when on an impromtu canoe outing-maybe strange and silly but safe
diabeteswellness.net may send you a free necklace but it cost $2.95 to ship it
I am a Class 4 Heart patient, With Type 2 Diabetes and a few more complications. My $10.00 neckles is around my neck anytime I leave my home. I care a complete medical on a 4gig stick in with my Nitro, with a Red Cross on thr outside. It savedmy life in Chigo. The Doctor's could see my blood test and Last chath tests and saved a lot of time. It's only your life....Do what will help you from trying to anwser questions when you out cold.. God Bless.
Dan
timmcgivern: I never said to NOT wear a medical ID -- if nothing else, it MAY get someone to react appropriately, or to react more swiftly than otherwise. I simply believe one should not trust one's life to using a medical-alert ID as one's only form of identification.
As far as the constitutionality of requiring ID... go argue with the local constabulary when you appear to be under the influence of *something* (even if that "something" is a serious low)... Besides, that driver's license, health insurance card, and cellphone with ICE information will give the medics information on who you are, and routes toward getting you the appropriate care.
Thanks for the suggestions - will definitely check them out. I'm only six months into my Type 2 diagnosis, so I have a lot to learn.
I started wearing a customized medical alert bracelet after I started wearing my pump. On the front it has my name, "diabetic", and "insulin pump". On the back I listed allergies and most of my medications. It is certanly not a sexy piece of jewlery, but it serves a very important purpose for me. Also, if you jazz it up too much it detracts from its purpose. ALWAYS check your blood surgar before going for a walk and take your phone/id.
I Have type 2 diabetes and didn't think it was important to ware a medical alert bracelet until I started to have dumping problems. My husband demanded that I ware a medical alert bracelet so people would not think I was drunk? This is an on going problem with me and luckley I've been with family and friends when it has happened.
My bracelet has my name, phone number, doctors name and phone number and "Diabetic" on it. My doctor and the "Diabetic Center" insited that I never take the bracelet off and I don't.
I am a type I, diagnosed about 17 years ago. When my doctor told me I should wear medical ID, I was in denial for a long time because if I wear jewelry, I wear gold or silver, not stainless steel. So eventually I went to a jewelry store where I found an assortment of gold bracelets (my choice).I have worn it ever since. I am a runner and carry no ID when I run. I have not had an incident because I always check my BG before running, but it gives me a sense of security.
I wear a medical alert bracelet for the sake of those around me. I have a pacemaker and the emergency assistant folks (in my area the firefighters) could cause a whole lot of trouble for themselves and me if they treated me incorrectly for my condition. Stainless steel is great. Its cheap and stands up to 24/7 wear. Love yourself,wear the medic-alert.
I'm a strong advocate of any type of medical alert identification (jewelry, tattoo, etc.). Years ago I had a severe hypoglycemic episode while behind the wheel. I drove my car through a fence and wrapped it around a tree in someone's backyard. The first thing I remember is several people leaning in my car asking "honey, how much have you had to drink?" Luckily the firefighters were first on the scene and got me sorted out fairly quick. I regret this incident deeply but it did teach me a few good lessons: a) never get behind the wheel without checking my blood sugar and b) always wear medic alert identification!!