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Do you wear medical alert jewelry or something on your body to signify you have type 1 diabetes in case of an emergency?
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I wear a pump and Dexcom sensor, so I no longer wear a medic alert bracelet.
I have the metal thing on my apple watch and I wear the watch all the time.
Similar for me but the alert is rubbery plastic. Alert is by MyID. I always wear the apple watch even at home. It keeps me connected to my Dexcom CGM and lets me interact with the Loop for insulin management. From the watch to Loop interface I can request a bolus, change my target settings, etc
I wear a silicone wrist band indicating I have type 1 diabetes.
Yes, whenever I go out. This saved my life one time.
Used to wear MediLert bracelet until my last one’s chain wore out and MediLert changed their coverage from LIFETIME REPLACEMENT to charging a minimum of $35 for replacements. I used them for over two decades and since I never needed their services, when the emblem of the bracelet wore through so the chain wouldn’t stay attached, I didn’t think it was really worth spending over $35 for a new bracelet. Especially when there are less expensive options for jewelry that would willingly print my MediLert account number and contact info on their jewelry for less than 1/4 the price.
I said no but I wear a pump and CGM sensor/transmitter.
I have a medic alert bracelet that I wear only when I’m travelling away from home.
Melinda already mentioned a pump, which is quite visible on my waist, plus a Dexcom. In addition, I wear the reader in a plastic case I made that is hanging around my neck so I have attachments on me that would mean that something is going on!!
I have a card in my wallet.
Yes, tattoo on anterior forearm.
The bracelet always got caught in my hair and when I subbed out beaded bands I made myself, they broke too often. Have a card in my wallet, but also got a tattoo last year as a medic alert replacement.
I tried to wear but always lost or forgot about. I do have an Apple Watch that has all my health data. I have been seriously thinking of getting a small tattoo on wrist.
I have worn my medicalert bracelet since I was 13. (I was diagnosed when I was 12). I thought I was being a smart-a$$ when I made a deal with my parents. At camp I saw a camper that had a gold bracelet. I didn’t like the stainless steel stigma of the bracelet. So I told my parents that if they got me a gold one I would wear it. Well, they bought the gold-plated one that MedicAlert offered. I wore that one for several years, never taking it off until my skin oils, etc. ate through the plating. That next Christmas they gifted me a solid gold bracelet. They kept their end of the deal so I kept mine. I rarely take it off and when I do it’s usually for medical purposes.
Yes. I have worn ID everyday for the past 46 years. I wear RoadID. I wear a necklace and and a bracelet. The neat thing about Road ID is that you can put anything you want on the ID, and they make all kinds of IDs. They even have a call center for paramedics and hospital, which you can pay extra for if you want it. I have my name, partial address, most of my medical conditions, and contact persons with their phone numbers. This is not meant to be a commercial, but they are at roadid.com
I also wear roadie. My brother got me started on them. I have 2 diff bracelets.
While I don’t wear a Medic Alert device I do wear an Omnipod and a CGM on my body and I carry information in my wallet, on my cell phone, and on my PDM which are always with me.
I had a charm on a necklace as a kid that my mom bought me. It was cute and gold.
The writing on it has become illegible and the stainless bracelets were bulky and ugly. I considered a tattoo but was hoping they’d release a cure by now.
I have a very fine lightweight bracelet that I never take off and don’t even notice. They are available and not that expensive.
Only wear my Tandem Pump and Dexcom sensor Plus Cards in my Wallet and Holes all over my body
Why not?
I eventually splurged and got a medic alert version with a very pretty gold chain. Nicest piece of jewelry i have over owned.
When I was 10, my parents got me a small metal box type id bracelet that could carry info on a scrap of paper tucked inside. Not surprisingly, it was not water-proof, so the message was useless. And it was really really ugly, too ugly for a ore-adolescent girl to want.
I got one like that from Lilly a long time ago.
The only time my MedicAlert bracelet is removed is for MRI’s or X-rays!
I always wear a ROAD ID silicone bracelet that has a small metal engraved attachment.
I ‘ve had bracelets in the past, but they would break and/or get lost. I remember respondng to an EMS call where the patient had the bracelet, but it was so old, the words had worn off (luckily a nieghbor who knew what we needed to know came over). So I then got a tattoo on the inside of my wrist. No other ink around it – so it isn’t “hidden” by other images. As a side comment, while I was getting the tattoo, I said I was doing it as a “public service” for all peple with T1D – once I have this permanent thing, t”they” would find a cure. The artist told me to come back when that happens and he’d add “I used to have” at the top of my alert. – No cost.
I didn’t like the bracelets and other jewelry, because the clashed with my actual jewelry. My friend, as a joke, said I should get a tattoo. I thought that was a good idea, so now I have a wrist tattoo. I don’t count it as a tattoo though, it’s just a medical alert to me.
Type 1 tattoo
I used to but after 56 years without any need for it I stopped wearing it
I have a few different types. Necklace, metal band that fits on my watch band. Metal band that goes across my hiking shoe laces .
I wear an elasticated silicone bracelet on each of my wrists.
Years ago, prior to my wearing the bracelets, I was once arrested by the police when I helped move a crashed car into the gutter when the original occupants ‘got mouthy’ when the police turned up. (It was evident that they’d either been drinking or were under the influence of drugs.)
Whilst at the police station I asked about getting some sugar water (glucose in water) as I felt that my blood glucose level was low, explaining that I am diabetic, to which one of the arresting officers asked me to prove that I was diabetic. I did show my insulin pump, but he was unaware of what I was showing him. They had to phone a medical examiner to come and see me, which touch several hours before he showed up, by which time I was ‘jerking around’ and the police officers couldn’t understand why, believing that I was either nervous, or simply trying to get them to cooperate with my request.
After the medical officer examined me, they decided to let me go, but I collapsed on the way home, which was a few miles away from where the police station was situated, and an ambulance had to be summoned to take me to hospital.
That’s truly awful!!!
Thats why I ware a bracelet with the medalert symbol. Few out in the general population know what an insulin pump even looks like let know what to do. I would bet less than 50% of EMTs know. Less than 2 million type 1 out of 340 milion in the US. We are a very small percentage.
Unfortunately, so many people are unaware. And, I suppose it will always be that way. Best wishes to you, Mick.
I have an ID bracelet I wear only when I travel.
Yup. My Medtronic pump and I have a card in my wallet.
I don’t wear any jewelry anymore identifying my diabetes. I’m on an insulin pump and a sensor. I’m sure that’ll give a clue to any emergency care.
I have worn a stainless steel neck chain and medal for 65 years. I would prefer medical personnel know I am a Type 1 diabetic before I develop a 500 blood sugar. The medal from Medic Alert can still be read and spells out insulin-dependent diabetic and hypertension. It also tells me my blood type. Even has a phone number and file number that was last updated 40 years ago. The added benefit is that the chain is a place to clip the insulin pump when you lack a belt or pocket.
I have a MyID silicone band on my Apple watch that I wear nearly all of the time. When I’m in the ocean without my watch, I wear a silicone bracelet. I used to wear a MedicAlert necklace until I got too annoyed by the pendant hitting me in the face whenever I bent over 🙂
I have a bracelet, but do not wear it anymore because I am out of the house infrequently, and when I am out, I am with my daughter.
I haven’t always worn a med alert, probably has taken me 15 years of T1D to finally purchase one but once I bought one I have always worn it.
In all the years that I did use a Medical emblem stating I was a type one diabetic paramedics, never looked at it. They just bypassed if it wasn’t even there.
I’ve worn a bracelet since about 1976.
My current one falls off too easily, though, so I need to take some of the links out… or, just get a new one (which would be way easier!)
I didn’t wear any medical alert for at least the first 35 years, but have a slim sterling bracelet now that I never take off. I also put the medic alert symbol on my phone face. It’s the first thing anyone would see if turning on my phone..
I wear an insulin pump and a Dexcom G6, so I figure it shouldn’t be necessary to wear a medic alert bracelet.
I use a Road ID, a little metal band that crimps around my watchband. It’s unobtrusive, always there, and easy to spot for emergency medical personnel. It contains contact information for accessing the relevant medical information about me online or via a phone call.
I used to and lost the charm several years ago. I know I should replace it.
keep ADA card in plan view in wallet
I wear a pump and a CGM.
I always wear my alert necklace, even when I sleep. I have worn one since I started Kindergarten. Only once did it fail me. I passed out and an ambulance was called. When I came to, I was in the hospital and one of the Medics scolded me, saying I should be wearing an alert. I pulled out my necklace and said, “Do you mean like this one?” He tried to tell me that it should be on my wrist or ankle, not around my neck! Just out of spite, I purchased a cheap alert bracelet that I also wear most of the time. That incident still irks me though!
I’ve worn a MedicAlert bracelet since 1965. I only take it off for medical imagery or procedures.
Does my Tandem x2 insulin pump count??😊. If not, my answer is NO.
No jewelry, but a cgm, infusion set, and a pump… that should be a clue 🙂
I have a T1D tattoo on the underside of my right wrist.
I wear a bracelet with type 1 diabetes on one side and my husband’s name and cell number on the back as emergency contact.
A another commented mentioned, I don’t trust that the general public or most medical professionals would know what my pump and CGM are without me consciously explaining it to them. Happy to educate the masses on my gadgets any other time, but for potential unconscious moments, the bracelet might help spare time spent guessing and my life. It’s one of those “I hope I never need it, but just in case…” Items. 🤞
I used to, I have had two medical bracelts that broke and I have not gotten them repaired yet. I do intend to fix them and wear one at all times.
Yes, I just replaced my old Medic Alert Dog Tags.
Only when I travel
I hate the sensation of jewelry or watches on my body.
I have a dog tag attached to my clip on purse/wallet where my pump is located, and my cell phone’s locked screen also has my medical conditions along with emergency contacts.
I wear a I HAVE TYPE 1 DIABETES silicone wrist band on each wrist.
WARNING: Please do not assume that everyone knows what a pump and CGM are, because they don’t including and especially many health care professionals. Unless a person is familiar with T1D – like us, or have a family member or a freind using a pump and a CGM, most people have no clue what it is or what what to do in case of a diabetes related emergency.
I’ve worn an ID bracelet for years and always hated it (I don’t like wearing jewelry, period). I recently got a tag that fits on my Fitbit, so now I just wear the watch with the ID tag whenever I leave home. My old bracelet now hangs on my key hook by the front door, in case I need it. I have cards in my wallet as well.
No, I have a Dexcom on my arm and an insulin pump. From TV advertising, it should be obvious. As a child and up until I wore a pump, I always wore med alert necklace. However, EMTs have said they do not make medical decisions based on med alert jewelry or tattoos.
I have a tattoo on my forearm. Thankfully I’ve never had to use it for an emergency, but I have had innumerable conversations about T1D because of it. In my opinion, the more people that know I’m diabetic the better…even strangers.
When my mom learned EMTs ignore medical jewelry, I just carried a card in wallet. In an emergency, EMTs routinely check bg, bp, etc. They saved my butt and a $500 ride to the hospital a couple of times by just following usual procedures.