• Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
  • We seem to be having technical difficulties with new user accounts. If you are trying to register please check your Spam or Junk folder for your confirmation email. If you still haven't received a confirmation email, please reach out to our support inbox: support.forum@diabetes.org.uk

medic alert

Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
AnnW

AnnW

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I was wondering if any of you use a medic alert bracelet or necklace etc? Do you think they are a good idea? only for type 2s do you think?
 
I meant type 1s really !!
 
If you are prone to hypos - whatever type, you might be type 2 on insulin or sulphonylureas - then it might be wise. I don't have anything like that, although I do carry a card that says I've got diabetes and an emergency contact number. I really ought to, especially when out running as it's more likely that you could have a hypo that knocks you for six when the symptoms have been masked by the stresses of exercise. I was only in the cub scouts for 3 weeks though, so the 'be prepared' motto never really hit home with me! (I stopped going after 3 weeks and spent my subs on cigarettes! 😱)
 
Hope you dont mine me replying..........ive never had one have looked into getting one but never have. i carry around a card in my wallet that has my type my address my dob and my medication but i got that from the x-pert course i did last year..
 
AnnW said:
I was wondering if any of you use a medic alert bracelet or necklace etc? Do you think they are a good idea? only for type 2s do you think?
Click to expand...

I used to have one, well I still do. I didn't renew this year due to budget, and I'm not sure that there's any point any more now that I have a pump around my neck in almost the same place, LOL!
 
Nope don't use one, partly because when I first became diabetic the only one's you could really get were horrible bulky things either a neckless or braclet... But did have a diabetic card in my purse though..

Since mobiles I do have my details under ICE on it... Warning diabetes, my home number, my clinic name and emergency pump phone number...

Biggest problem that I've always found with ID bracelets etc, is that there's an assumption that if you've got a medical condition fashion isn't your thing!
 
Ellie, you need to shop around, there are some beautiful medical ID bracelets etc out there! Plus - you can always make your own - get a plaque made, and thread your own bracelet.

My only concern is that if I make it 'too' pretty, it won't be noticed in an emergency. My new manager at work is an ex paramedic, so I'm going to ask him what they are trained to look for, and what reasonably I should get.
 
Hi shiv, I think that I've done without for so long without coming to harm its something I dont think about any more..

As to the paramedic, they as the police are trained to fill around the back of the neck for any neckless chains, and then check wrists for any id bracelets! Then pockets/handbags for wallet/purse or medication etc... The latter the paramedic's don't like doing due to legalities side of things, they don't have the legal right to search where as the police do!

My borther is a retired paramedic, and I have several friends (including my niece in the police force) when I told my brother that I had diabetes, he groaned then said he'd rather a drunk in the back of his ambulance than a diabetic with a hypo!
 
Ellie Jones said:
...My borther is a retired paramedic, and I have several friends (including my niece in the police force) when I told my brother that I had diabetes, he groaned then said he'd rather a drunk in the back of his ambulance than a diabetic with a hypo!
Click to expand...

Cheek! :D 😉
 
I have a bracelet which I wear when I go out in the car. I thought the idea was to enable paramedics, etc identify you so you don't get a glucose drip. Mine is a very snazzy silver one and comes with a free for life web site entry with details of all my meds so if unconscious medics can find out what you are on.
If you do a search of the boards you will find other ID bracelet discussions.
 
I have a necklace I got it free of 1 of the diabetic sites I go on but sorry I carnt think witch one you just had to send a stamped address enverlope Ill have a look and see if I can find it .
 
I bought the boys each ID bracelets with their name D.O.B, T1 and insulins on them. They are quite cool, not the ugly old fashioned ones which are not really what the kids want to wear!
I was told that paramedics etc are trained to lok for the international medical symbol

medical_symbol_md.jpg


This isn't so obvious on those rubber sports type ones (like the livestrong or help for heroes fund raisers) either so I went with ICE gems and another one I can't remember....
 
I've got quite a few silicone bands in differant colours. They have the international medical sign on them. I wear 1 with Type 1 diabetic on insulin pump and another with Type 1 diabetic, my name and my husbands name and his mobile phone number. I wouldn't go anywhere without them.
 
Carol has 4 different bracelets. 3 of them she won't wear.

Last Christmas grandma bought her a "Nomination" bracelet. I then went on eBay, where I found a company who sells links for it (Daisy - not Nomination,but they fit). They have a medical link, on which you decide the inscription. I put on carol's " Type 1 Diabetes". It also has the medical sign on it.
 
I have a medical bracelet, I got it very recently, I've been getting hypos alot and just wanted to be prepared. I went with ICE gems, a tad expensive depending on the one you choose. I chose the below one, I'm a bit of a rock chick 😱 so it suits me fine.

http://www.icegems.co.uk/ladies-medical-id-jewellery/medical-wristband.html

I've always been a cautious person, even before I was diagnosed, my mobile phone contained ICE numbers. I now also carry a medical list with me, along with my detaila written down on a card given to me by ICE gems 🙂

I love my bracelet!
 
Monica said:
Last Christmas grandma bought her a "Nomination" bracelet. I then went on eBay, where I found a company who sells links for it (Daisy - not Nomination,but they fit). They have a medical link, on which you decide the inscription. I put on carol's " Type 1 Diabetes". It also has the medical sign on it.
Click to expand...

I have the same Monica. I've had some double links etched with my allergies as well as the fact that I am diabetic. they are a great idea as you can just put links in. my bracelet has 2 links which have the red international medic sign on them 🙂
 
I have a couple of 'Mediband' silicone wristbands, They cost peanuts and I always wear one. I had a particularly bad hypo just over a year ago (think I double injected) in Tescos and went unconscious. I had a Type 1 card in my wallet, but people generally don't feel comfortable looking in someone elses wallet. Fortunately a GP was in the shop at the time and came to my aid.
 
I have the necklace, I wont leave home without wearing it. Nothing has ever happened, but it is nice to know it is there just in case. I am a fan of medic alert, but I'm also a bit belt and braces as I have a bracelet with diabetes stamped on it too

As far as I am aware anyone can use them no matter what medical condition they have. On the back of mine I have type 2 diabetes and hypertension, but it could be any medical condtion. There is also a membership number and a telephone number. That way if anything happens to me and if I have no other ID, my family can be contacted and I can get the right treatment.
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Back
Top