subject: Diabetic Alert Tags.... Are they worth the cost? [print this page] Diabetic Alert Tags...Diabetic Alert Tags.... Are they worth the cost?
It seems lately that I get dozens of diabetes advertisements these days touting different wears for today's diabetic. Most of them are worthless but some may deem useful given the right situation. One of the more popular items are diabetic medical alert tags.
A basic idea really. The persons name, medications he or she is taking and contact information. You might ask do I really need one? You need to ask yourself a few questions. How is my diabetes progressing and do I put myself in situations where I might need an alert bracelet?
If you are a type 1 diabetic or have high glucose sensitivity the a alert tag may be something you already wear on a daily basis. If you are managing your diabetes very well and are in good physical shape then it is unlikely you will find yourself in a situation when you would need an alert tag.
There is several caveats to that statment. I would wear a diabetic identification tag should I be.
1.Traveling abroad
2.competing in a sport or marathon race
3.taking a long weekend/camping/backpacking longer then 3 days
The whole idea is to identify you and your condition to take the guess work out of a prognosis should you find yourself unconscious in a hospital. When an unknown person is brought into the ER with an unknown condition (sometimes called the Golden Hour) minuets can mean life and death.
There are even more ways to identify yourself as a diabetic such as medical alert tattoos. It should be noted that not every doctor or nurse may spot the tattoo unless it is clearly worded out. So if you are going to choose this route you may want to think about placeing it somewhere a doctor, nurse or EMT would be able to see it without effort.
Whatever you choose be it a tattoo, alert tag or nothing it all. It is up to you to keep yourself healthy and take care of yourself. And with a little luck you wont find yourself in a situation where you need a personal alert tag.
