Overview
For someone with diabetes, a medical alert bracelet can be a lifesaver in an emergency. When there is a serious injury or illness, a person with diabetes may not be able to communicate to others about her condition. A medical alert bracelet lets others know there is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. In an emergency, letting rescuers know that a person has diabetes can mean the difference between life and death.
Types
Medical alert bracelets come in a variety of styles and materials. Other types, like necklaces, shoe tags and wallet cards are also available. Many medical supply vendors, pharmacies and mail-order companies offer medical alert jewelry. There is a wide price range from which to choose, and styles for both adults and children. Alert bracelets can even be fashionable while providing a very important safety function.
Significance
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes wear some type of medical alert jewelry or carry a wallet card. Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) reactions are a common problem with diabetes, and can cause a person to lose consciousness. If not treated immediately, the situation will be life-threatening. Wearing a medical alert bracelet or other type of jewelry lets others know that a serious medical condition is present and help is needed right away.
Features
In order for medical alert jewelry to be effective, it needs to be immediately visible to potential rescuers. It also needs to identify the serious condition(s) that the wearer has so rescuers can respond appropriately. It is helpful to also list food, drug, or insect allergies that the wearer has, as it’s important for medical personnel to know about any allergies when treating the wearer.
Other Information
Other personal health information, like less immediately life-threatening conditions, medications and their dosages, physician and family contact information can be listed on a wallet card. These things are important for emergency medical personnel to know and can provide additional vital information when a person requires emergency treatment.
Considerations
If you are not sure whether you need to wear medical alert jewelry, or what information you should include on it, consult your physician. Children are especially vulnerable to severe low blood sugar reactions and to be in a situation requiring assistance, so ask your child’s physician about medical alert tags or jewelry. Keep in mind that small pieces of jewelry can pose a choking hazard for a child. There are various identification pieces that are designed specifically for children.
About this Author
Kathy Dropeski is a registered nurse with 14 years of experience and has been a certified diabetes educator since 2005. She has been published in the journal “AADE in Practice,” and has produced numerous brochures, patient teaching materials and local news articles.
