Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Devlin on March 25, 2011 at 12:50pm

I'm in my 69th year with T1 diabetes and only about five years ago did I get a medical I.D. necklace.
It most definately gives me a nice feeling knowing if I'm found somewhere unconscious, medics will quickly know the reason for my condition.
I didn't get any medical I.D. for so long simply because I kept putting it off. I'm quite good at this.
Don't do what I did Cara. I feel you know you should have this I.D.
If I am correct than get this taken care of fast.
Jim

Permalink Reply by Natalie ._c- on March 25, 2011 at 2:34pm

Well, last September, I was in the emergency room in a diabetic coma, and the docs kept asking my family if I was drunk, or on drugs, or demented, when if I had been wearing an ID, they would have had a better chance of knowing it was diabetes related (but not 100% -- they ARE pretty stupid)

So when I got home, I ordered one, and I'm wearing it, even though it is a nuisance.

For you young folks, for whom tattoos are no longer considered low-class or taboo, it might be just the thing. Just be sure it is clear, and easily visible -- if it's on your back or rear end, medics are not likely to notice it, but if it's on your wrist, they will. The gray ribbon or the blue circle are essentially meaningless to them, but a caduceus, or clear words saying Type 1 diabetic would be much more likely to get them thinking. There is a website with pictures of Type 1 tattoos to give you some ideas, -- I don't have the URL, but you can google it.

I never want you to go through what I did!

Permalink Reply by Tim P on March 28, 2011 at 3:21am

Never been a big fan of the diabetic jewelry personally; however, I do recognize the value. About a year ago I started using the Xtreme Sports ID, http://xtremesportsid.com/main/, which is basically just a rubber wristband that has a caduceus and contact number on it. I'm finding it a nice alternative because it doesn't look like the traditional "I've got a medical condition" jewelry, and if a first responder finds me unconscious they are going to get all the information about me just by calling the number, which is way better than just the knowledge that I'm diabetic.

Permalink Reply by Jim Devlin on March 28, 2011 at 7:59am

Good point, Tim. I know what you mean.
I have always been one that detested any chance of sympathy to me about my diabetes.
As previously mentioned I finally got the necklace I.D. which is inconspicuous even with writing on both sides.
Rather reminds me of my old St. Christopher medal of long ago. Nobody paid any attention to that either.

Permalink Reply by Cara1028 on March 28, 2011 at 5:32am

Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Jim Devlin on March 28, 2011 at 7:49am

Correction! I should have said 59th year with T1 diabetes.
I'm old but not that old. Ha

Permalink Reply by shoshana27 on June 26, 2012 at 11:39am

I HAVE THE MEDIC ALERT & NEVER TAKE IT OFF ( except when i take a shower)

Permalink Reply by Clare on June 26, 2012 at 4:08pm

I have a medic alert bracelet somewhere, I just don't wear it.

Permalink Reply by Natalie ._c- on June 26, 2012 at 5:47pm

Well, I had one, and didn't wear it, and went into a coma, and they assumed I was type 2, and couldn't figure out why my BGs wouldn't come down. Lesson learned.

Permalink Reply by Clare on June 26, 2012 at 6:28pm

I just put mine back on after better than 10 years or so. I think I'll keep it on.

Permalink Reply by Natalie ._c- on June 26, 2012 at 7:49pm

+1