In case of an emergency: Medical identification
Emergencies can happen to anyone, at anytime. When you have diabetes, wearing medical identification (ID) can help you get better medical care.
What is a medical ID?
A medical ID will tell people you have diabetes in case you need help and are unable to speak.
"It is a safety device for people with diabetes who are taking medicine and/or insulin to control it," says Dawn McCarter, diabetes educator with Allina Medical Clinic.
"If you become unconscious or are injured in an accident, a medical ID can be a helpful tool for first responders. They will know that you have diabetes, which will help provide better and timely care."
What are the different types of medical ID?
"Some people think that wearing a medical ID means wearing a big dog tag or large, uncomfortable jewelry, and it just isn’t that way," says McCarter. There are a lot of different options available."
Here are some of the different types of medical IDs available:
- bracelet
- watch
- necklace
- key chain
- ID clip for existing watches and/or jewelry
- ID card for your purse or wallet
"First responders recommend having a bracelet or watch because it is more visible. A necklace is also a good choice," says McCarter.
An ID card or key chain that says you have diabetes can also be used, but they are not as easily noticed or harder to find. McCarter recommends using these types of ID along with a bracelet, watch or necklace for more identification.
Where are medical IDs available?
Medical IDs can be found in many different locations. Here are just a few to help get you started.
You can also find medical IDs at your local drugstore or community pharmacy.
Dialog home page
Allina Community Pharmacies Emergency medicine specialists
Source: Dawn McCarter, diabetes educator, Allina Medical Clinic; Allina Patient Education, Basic Skills for Living with Diabetes, dia-ahc-90196
First published: 07/23/2007
Last updated: 07/23/2007
Reviewed by: Mary Frederick, RN, diabetes program manager, Allina Medical Clinic
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