When your child has type 1 diabetes, it can be challenging to let them out of your sight. Even if you know they’ll be well cared for at school or with their grandparents, it can be difficult to not be there in an emergency. This only gets harder as your child becomes a teen and wants to enjoy time alone with their friends.

This is where medical alert bracelets for type 1 diabetes come in. This form of identification should be worn all the time. These bracelets also hold essential medical information so anyone interacting with your child will know they live with type 1 diabetes. Some of these bracelets even give instructions for the type of care your child might need if they can’t communicate.

Some people at myT1Dteam have reported medical emergencies when they couldn’t talk. “When I was 16, I dropped 100 points to zero in 15 minutes literally,” someone shared. “The paramedics could not get any blood sugar to register for 17 minutes. They said that I had no body activity, eye movement, temp dropping, etc. But the entire time, I could hear them and understand what was going on.”

Fortunately, in this example, the person was able to get help. But medical emergencies can happen when your child is somewhere without you, especially as they grow older, and that’s where having jewelry describing their condition may be helpful.

What Is Medical Alert Jewelry?

Medical alert ID jewelry comes in many forms, but people often choose bracelets or necklaces. By having information about their condition engraved directly on the jewelry, your child can become more independent, giving you greater peace of mind in managing type 1 diabetes.

Medical alert jewelry comes into play if your child cannot respond but needs urgent medical help. The jewelry allows others to know their name and what kind of help your child might need. It may be as simple as telling them to call the paramedics. Even if your child never has this type of emergency, getting them a piece of medical alert jewelry may give you peace of mind as they go off into the world.

Benefits of Medical Alert Jewelry for Your Child

Even if your child lives with well-controlled diabetes, they may experience an episode of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), or diabetic ketoacidosis (excess blood acids) that leaves them unable to communicate, seek help, or think clearly.

Sometimes, these symptoms can be mistaken for alcohol intoxication, which can cause all sorts of problems and delays in getting essential medical care. If a sudden change in blood sugar causes your child to fall or crash a car, a medical alert bracelet can inform first responders of their condition. In turn, they can provide prompt and proper care.

In addition, people with diabetes have a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart disease that can lead to stroke or heart attack. Wearing a medical alert ID bracelet that makes others aware of your child’s diabetes will help guide treatment decisions to prevent further complications. The bracelet will also provide first responders with important information, such as your child’s name and the phone numbers of emergency contacts (such as you or a health care provider).

If your child has a health emergency, getting help quickly is the most important factor. Most pieces of medical alert jewelry are ready to wear when you get them and don’t need batteries or charging to make sure they'll work. All your child has to do is get into the habit of wearing the jewelry, and then you can feel better about them venturing out and exploring new places.

Several people on myT1Dteam use medical alert jewelry. One joked, “You know you’re a type 1 diabetic when all your jewelry has the medic alert emblem on it.”

Effective Medical Alert Jewelry for Your Child

Medical alert jewelry should be durable, and the information on it should be clear and easy to read. Although it’s tempting to find something that suits your child’s style, the jewelry must include enough information to guide others when they’re in danger. A bracelet that’s too decorative may be overlooked as costume jewelry rather than a form of identification.

Medical alert bracelets can be as simple as a charm bracelet with the medical symbol and the words “I have diabetes” clearly engraved. You can provide additional information, such as your child’s full name and emergency contact information. However, avoid including an address, Social Security number, or other private information that’s not necessary for medical attention.

Choose a type of material that’s comfortable and fits your child’s lifestyle. For instance, some people prefer medical alert bracelets that are made of stainless steel or precious metals, while others choose fabric, elastic, leather, rubber, or silicone. A medical ID bracelet should be waterproof and the right size for your child’s wrist so they’ll be more likely to wear it throughout the day, rather than removing it when bathing or washing dishes.

Types of Wearable Medical Alerts and Other Options

Medical alert jewelry is increasingly common — more medical personnel are being trained to check for it if there’s an emergency. With the popularity of smartphones and other devices, they’re trained to look there, too.

If your child can’t or won’t wear more traditional medical jewelry, like a necklace or a bracelet, don’t worry. There are lots of options when it comes to choosing a medical alert ID. Your child may be willing to wear a pin or carry a card in their backpack, purse, or wallet with the necessary information. Many of these products are designed to incorporate the Star of Life, an international symbol with a snake and a staff, indicating its medical purpose. Whatever style or design you and your child prefer, they should be sure to wear it at all times, even when they’re asleep.

Medical apps are popular, too. If your child carries a smartphone, these may be an option. An app can function independently or your child’s medical alert jewelry can direct people to it. On the iPhone, you can set up a medical ID from the built-in health app. It’s harder on an Android phone, but you can download a separate app and set it up. If possible, make sure the app includes their basic information as well as medical records such as care plans or medications.

Other devices (like key fobs or wristbands) have near-field communication capabilities, which can provide medical professionals with quick and secure access to medical history. Your child could also wear an audio medical ID on their clothing that tells others what to do if they can’t speak for themself. Medical alert systems with GPS technology can find the person’s precise location and can even send the closest paramedics to the location.

The American Diabetes Association website has a free card you can print out that lists the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, along with emergency treatment for both. The organization advises people with diabetes to fill it out and keep it in their wallet or car. You can also add custom engraving on your medical alert bracelet, directing others to look in a wallet, backpack, or glove compartment for more information.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myT1Dteam, the social network for people with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones, more than 3,400 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with type 1 diabetes.

Are you wondering if your child should wear a medical alert bracelet? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.