Health I.D for diabetes - What is the preferred method of identification?

Question

Having type 1 diabetes for a little over a decade now I've never worn an identification to help others know of my condition especially in case of emergencies (such as hypoglycemic attacks - paramedics giving me resuscitation instead of simply giving me glucose).

The problem is that there isn't enough talk on this issue especially in the aesthetics of wearing one, as they look unfitting.

As far as best practices, I think a wristband is the most common method as it's effective (easy to locate). Either I proceed with a Do-It-Yourself initiative to create my own or find some cool looking ones to purchase.

Things to consider:

• How often does the ID have to be replaced?
• Should it be waterproof?
• What material serves best for long term use (if this is preferred)
• Should the medical info be stylized as engraved or placed as an attachment?
• It's hard to find ones that actually look cool/neat/practical.

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UPDATE

[SOLVED_EasilyAccessibleStandardLogoNoGlitter]

What ever makes the responder identify the situation quickly enough will help in the worst case scenario or for an emergency. So, for my question what type of accessory would make it easier to identify this particular type of situation? Ideally a bracelet is the best option. Otherwise, if a bracelet can't be worn then it would be appropriate to use a necklace instead.

Just make sure the I.D.'s design isn't straying too far away from how medical logos are displayed. Since we are talking about a standard procedure the medical logo (or the Snack-on-a-Pole / SOS) must be visible to any peripheral vision.

Thanks to @PETE, I was now able to understand the importance of speed to acknowledge responders to take the appropriate action for person(s) in danger. This is because they were able to locate the information needed as-fast-as-possible without any fuss or delay.

Now, I just wonder if people ever considered using a Tattoo for this case....

Answer 1

I am a trained first aider.

I note that this question was asked a long time ago and has never been answers.

The majority of ID/Health alert lockets should indeed be waterproof (this would either the case or the information it contains). Otherwise, it's pretty much useless.

First aiders are trained to look for lockets that have the "snake on a pole" or "SOS" design prominently in view. Anything over-stylised would be easily overlooked. I guess it might well be obvious, but the information held within an SOS locket needs to be updated as soon the information changes, or it becomes illegible.

I'd also go for a bracelet - as a male first aider, I wouldn't be comfortable looking into a woman's cleavage for a pendant.

Obviously, the key thing is that people who are commonly around you (friends/co-workers) should be aware of your condition and any likely conditions you might have. Background information really does help a first aider, even if they do need to put a little work into confirming what's actually happening.

Answer 2

[SOLVED_EasilyAccessibleStandardLogoNoGlitter]

What ever makes the responder identify the situation quickly enough will help in the worst case scenario or for an emergency. So, for my question what type of accessory would make it easier to identify this particular type of situation? Ideally a bracelet is the best option. Otherwise, if a bracelet can't be worn then it would be appropriate to use a necklace instead.

Just make sure the I.D.'s design isn't straying too far away from how medical logos are displayed. Since we are talking about a standard procedure the medical logo (or the Snack-on-a-Pole / SOS) must be visible to any peripheral vision.

Thanks to @PETE, I was now able to understand the importance of speed to acknowledge responders to take the appropriate action for person(s) in danger. This is because they were able to locate the information needed as-fast-as-possible without any fuss or delay.

Now, I just wonder if people ever considered using a Tattoo for this case....

Answer 3

For people within the United States, there are a number of options for diabetes, especially insulin-dependent diabetes. There are a number of options include custom dog tags, shoe tags, necklaces and bracelets from cheap stainless steel options up to ordering custom engraved options from Tiffany. There are also off-the-shelf options online, at pharmacies and on websites like Amazon that say, Type 1 Diabetes - Insulin Dependent, and are necklaces, bracelets and even a wide variety of silicon bracelets. T1D is universally understood, so anything that can have a monogram would work.

It's now 2020, and the other options emerge if you are on a CGM and/or pump. Those need to be noted, especially if you are passed out and medical professionals need to remove hardware for scans. Especially with the CGMs, there are SOS and medical emergency options with the devices that collect the output that data. The Apple Watch and/or phone have that information available readily for medical professionals. EHR data can also be pulled into the health app for these devices as well. So information that should be available is:

Diagnosis: T1DM Medications: Insulin Dependent, Glucagon kit, xyz... Medical Devices: CGM, Insulin Pump, etc. Emergency Contact: ICE - Name - Phone Number Medical Data Source: EHR, Endo, Hospital Group, etc. Allergies: Food, Meds, Additives to Meds Other Medical Conditions and Meds

I hope that helps you live safe and well with T1D!