Should a Type II wear a MedicAlert Bracelet

KarenBC · #1 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 10:41 PM

or necklace? I've never had anything happen, but I'm fairly new to all of this.

Do you folks here wear one?

Harold · #2 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 11:58 PM

Depends on your medication and control or lack of it. Another way to look at it is if you have a history of going to either extreme and passing out it would be a good idea.

Cloudedbrains · #3 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 12:48 AM

I wear a necklace but I also have other medical conditions that required it as well as my diabetes

pdxdennisj · #4 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 05:31 AM

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dan Gato · #5 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 05:45 AM

I would say... YES.

for types 1 & 2
& if you're traveling

GrammaBear · #6 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 05:57 AM

I am Type 2 and I wear one. No one ever plans on having a car accident or becoming unconscious, but if you were to be in an accident, most emergency personnel are trained to look for a medic alert necklace or bracelet. There are many places online where you can purchase one for a reasonable price. Some places even have the silicone ones that seem to be really popular with young folks.

slipperyelm · #7 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 06:50 AM

I don't wear one, but when I was on glipizide, I SHOULD have. There were a few times when I just made out my own medical info card and put it in my pocket when I went out for a walk alone. Put contact names and number down, too: Family, friend, doctor.

KarenBC · #8 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 06:54 AM

I think I'll talk to my doctor about it on the next appointment, and see what he thinks. I'm not on meds, so far I'm doing okay with huge diet changes and lots of walking.

It's probably weird, but I'm a bit concerned that by wearing a bracelet it might appear that I'm trying to draw attention, with a sort of a "hey look at me, I've got a medical condition".

And on the other hand, I think about what GrammaBear has written about the car accident scenario - blood sugars would definitely go wacky in that type of situation, and what might medical folks give a person if I wasn't able to speak up!

fgummett · #9 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 07:08 AM

It does become more important if you are on medication. I use the Medic Alert service which provides Health Care workers with a number to call that gives them access to any Health information that I provide to Medic Alert.
You make a valid point about drawing attention to your D... it is hard balance sometimes but I certainly don't want my D to be the thing that defines me as a person

art · #10 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 07:10 AM

I either wear or carry a dog tag in bright red I had made.
It has my name, that I'm type 2 and my Doc's name and 24 hour phone number.
I don't have it in case I go low and pass out I'm more worried about car accidents and the like.

Art

slipperyelm · #11 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 07:35 AM

Another thing to consider is whether the bracelet itself is a hazard to you. I cannot wear a bracelet without it catching on things. Heck, I even have that trouble with certain types of sleeves. I've gotten snagged on stair banister caps or hardware and nearly tumbled down the stairs. A snug fitting bracelet would be less dangerous. A necklace might be better for some people. I think the wallet or pocket card is a good alternative.

volleyball · #12 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 08:39 AM

I agree with Harold.
If you want to be on the safe side, have in your wallet next to or part of your id, DIABETIC, along with any relevant info. Highlighted over your name even. Any emergency person should check for your id.

princesslinda · #13 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 08:44 AM

My doctor gave me a card that says T2 diabetic on it. Its the size of a credit card, is red, and has a line on back for blood type and list of meds on it. I put it in my wallet on top of my driver's license. My hubby has a card I made for him in his wallet with my name, blood type, allergies and meds on it...if anything unexpected happened, I doubt he'd remember what meds I take, so now he doesn't have to worry, its in his wallet.

I've never worn a medic id bracelet or anything, as i'm not on insulin...but, we're going on a cruise in Dec, and i'm going to get one to wear for when i'm off on excursions.

GrammaBear · #14 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 10:09 AM

PrincessLinda,

What a great idea to make a card for your husband's wallet. You're right, he might not remember the names of your medications in a stressful situation. My husband can't remember mine on an everyday situation because I have multiple medicines. Thank you for your idea.

As for calling attention to your "D", some medic alert bracelets look like a regular piece of jewelry. I don't know if it is ok to post the website where I bought mine, but if anyone wants that information, just send me a PM.

GrammaBear

gelchick · #15 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 01:08 PM

I wear one. My daughters had one made by a local goldsmith. It fits close to my wrist, is so light I don't even know it's there, and is very beautiful. I hate bracelets and never wear them because they annoy me. It has the twisted snake symbol, the name I am usually called, and the fact that I have type 2 diabetes. I only wore it because they cared enough about me to have it

I don't take medicine known to produce lows, and have never dropped below 70- except that one time, while I was out Christmas shopping and crashed. I have all of the ICE info in my cell and was trying to make a call to my husband to come and help me- but was shaking too hard. Mall security called the paramedics rather than the police thanks to that bracelet!

sandy