Diabetes Medical Alert Jewelry: The Basics

Should People Wear Diabetes Medical Alert Jewelry?


The conditions people engrave on medical ID jewelry typically fall into two categories: 
• Conditions that might cause an emergency, and
• Conditions that EMTs and hospital personnel need to know about in an emergency.

Diabetes falls into both categories. Medical professionals need to be able to quickly diagnose diabetic emergencies, such as low blood sugar levels, and they also need to know about this diagnosis when a person with diabetes is involved in an emergency, such as a car accident, so they can manage your treatment effectively. 

For people with diabetes, wearing a medical alert bracelet is truly essential.


Do First Responders Check Medical Alert Jewelry?


In the 2020 Lauren’s Hope First Responder Survey*, we polled over 100 EMTs, paramedics, and other first responders, specifically asking about diabetes medical alerts. The results were clear:

• Over 85% of first responders recommended medical alerts for people with diabetes.
• Over 95% of first responders agree that wearing a medical ID can improve patient outcomes.


What Types of Medical Alert Jewelry Are There?


There are three basic types of diabetic medical alerts:
1. Custom-engraved diabetes medical IDs
2. USB IDs for diabetes
3. Generic, non-custom-engraved diabetes medical alerts

Still, over 80% of first responders surveyed* agree that custom-engraved medical IDs are the most effective type of medical alert jewelry. Simply put: pre-engraved medical alert jewelry and USB IDs are nowhere near as effective as a custom-engraved diabetes medical alert.


Which diabetes bracelet is right for me?


The best diabetic medical alert jewelry is a custom-engraved medical alert necklace or bracelet, prominently featuring the medical alert symbol on the front. Over 90% of the emergency medical professionals we surveyed state that they identify medical alert jewelry by the presence of this symbol. This simple icon alerts medical personnel to the presence of vital medical information, which we engrave for you.


What should I engrave on my diabetes medical ID?


• Your name
• Your diabetes type
• Whether you are on insulin and how it’s administered
• Any allergies you may have (specifically food or drug)
• Other medical conditions 
• Medications you take
• Emergency contact information

Other forms of medical ID jewelry offer far less benefit than custom-engraved diabetes medical alert jewelry.

While generic, non-customized, pre-engraved, cheap diabetes bracelets can get your diagnosis across, they fail to communicate anything other than a single condition state, yet all of the information in the list above is vitally important. 

As for USB medical alerts, these “smart” medical IDs are anything but. In fact, 100% of emergency medical personnel reported that they absolutely never access patient information on a USB ID or flash drive, citing HIPAA regulations, time constraints, lack of laptop access, and common medical agency restrictions.

Let us help you figure out what you should put on your diabetic medical ID bracelet!


Do I Need a Diabetes Medical ID Bracelet?


If you have diabetes, you need diabetic medical alert jewelry. The most common forms of diabetes for which people wear med IDs are:

Type 1 Diabetes
This is sometimes engraved as T1D, Type One Diabetes, DM1, Diabetes Mellitus 1, or Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 Diabetes
This is sometimes engraved as T2D, Type Two Diabetes, DM2, Diabetes Mellitus 2, or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational Diabetes
Although thankfully a temporary condition, gestational diabetes is a serious pregnancy complication for which people wear women’s medical alert jewelry.

Where Can I Find The Best Diabetes Medical Alert Jewelry For Me?

Here are the five best diabetes medical IDs for women and men:

  1. Diabetes Medical Alert Necklaces
    Our Men’s diabetes medical alert dog tags and women’s diabetes medical alert necklaces are comfortable, discreet forms of medical alert IDs for people with diabetes.
  2. Interchangeable Diabetes Medical Alert Bracelets
    Interchangeable medical ID bracelets are a mix and match style of medical alert. Simply choose the custom-engravable medical alert ID tag you want, and pair it with any of our Mix and Match Interchangeable medical alert bracelets for a flexible medical ID jewelry wardrobe you’ll want to wear.
  3. Medical Alert Cuffs for Diabetes
    Always made with hypoallergenic stainless steel, LH customers love our medical alert cuffs. For diabetes or any other medical condition or treatment consideration, a med ID cuff offers discreet, inner engraving to keep your personal information private.
  4. Sport Medical Alert Bracelets for Diabetes
    Whether you’re an athlete or just love the look of sport medical alert bracelets, these silicone medical ID bracelets are always a perfect fit. Water-friendly and ready for your next workout, we have the style of sport medical ID bracelet that’s right for you.
  5. Stretch Medical Alert Bracelets for Diabetes
    Whether you find bracelet clasps a challenge or simply like the convenience of sliding your medical ID bracelet on over your hand, a stretch medical alert bracelet may be right for you! These mix and match styles are easy to mix and match with our traditional, wire-stranded, interchangeable medical ID bracelets for women.

Did you know? “Individuals with diabetes should wear an ID due to the increase of drug overdoses. The police department has a tendency to give narcan to suspected overdoses before medical arrives. This could save diabetic patients an unnecessary dose of narcan.”

-Austin B, EMT.

*In 2020, Lauren’s Hope conducted a non-incentivized, independent survey of more than 100 EMTs, paramedics, and other medical first responders.
*More than 80% of respondents agreed with the statement, “Custom-engraved medical IDs are the most effective form of medical ID jewelry.”
*Over 95% of first responders agreed with the statement that wearing a medical ID improves patient outcomes.
*Over 85% of first responders recommended medical alerts for people with diabetes.
*100% of first responders answered, “no” when asked if they ever use USB IDs.