In my last blog I spoke about the possible positives and negatives of wearing identification that lets someone else know that you have a condition such as diabetes. On the plus side it tells possible strangers that you have diabetes, so they can help you in an emergency. And also in situations where time may be of the essence. But on the opposing side, wearing an item of iD jewellery can encourage people to ask more questions about your condition. Whether you're happy to answer them or not. But my resounding feelings are that it's much safer to wear one, and in fact wearing one could even save your life.
So you've chosen to wear a medical iD accessory, but the next choice is what to wear?
Bracelet
As I mentioned in my previous blog, the medical iD that I first chose was a bracelet that had the global symbol for medicine on one side and my medical condition of diabetes on the other. You can get so many variations for both men and women available mostly online, but also from high street retailer's such as Boots the chemist. Some of the options online can be engraved with a more personal message on the underneath. Or you could choose alternative materials. For example whilst I've been at diabetes clinic in the hospital I've seen bracelet's that look like the ones you can wear to help with arthritis. Being able to make your choice is really important, because it's your diabetes.
Band
In recent years the rubber charity bands have become really popular amongst people that want to support a cause such as 'Diabetes UK' or 'help for heroes'. You can get them in all different colours and now they're also available online for order. You can put a personal message on them too, such as 'I have Type 1 diabetes' or 'Type 1 diabetes in emergency call 999'. They come in so many different colours that you could order a different colour for every day of the week. Or even one to match every outfit. These are a particularly good option for young people, especially those that are active. Because the bands are really flexible and they aren't effected by water. Which means you can swim/shower/ do sport in them and it won't break the band or effect the message. At the Diabetes UK family days I saw a lot of younger children with these on in fun colours and clear messages about how best to help them with their diabetes in case of emergency.
Necklace
When I was younger I belonged to the Brownies and I remember my brown owl (organisation leader) was allergic to penicillin. And I remember that she always wore a beautiful white gold medi-alert necklace around her neck to tell others of her allergy. At the moment I often wear a medi alert necklace, that was given to me by the diabetes wellness and research charity organisation. This a great way for adults to highlight their condition, but perhaps not so well suited to children. These are available online but also from jeweller's as well as chemists and many of the bigger stores offer engraving too.
Carry a card
As an adult I always carry my purse with me in case I need to pay for something. So no matter what type of medi alert you choose, carrying a card that says you have diabetes on it is a subtle way of alerting attention. Through something that you will usually always have with you. Although it might not be as quick a way to identify your diabetes as wearing a necklace or bracelet. Chances are a health care professional would look for identification in terms of your name etc and find the card in your purse/ wallet.
I don't know about you, but on different days I'm in different moods as to what I feel like wearing. So these are the many options of things you can wear that can help you make others aware of your condition in an emergency. As long as what you choose does the job and is suitable for you then this is the main thing. But for a bit of fun why not make your medical identification as individual as you and your diabetes are!
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