Medical ID

Medical ID refers to some form of identification that you carry with you at all times, which states that you have a medical condition and sometimes other information such as treatment and emergency contact details as well.

Why is it so important?

It’s really important that you carry some form of medical ID with you at all times, so that if you ever become unwell, people are aware that you have diabetes. In an emergency, if you are unable to communicate for yourself, and there’s nobody around to explain for you, some form of medical ID can save vital time in identifying what is wrong with you. Paramedics, Accident and Emergency staff, St. John’s Ambulance and The Red Cross are all trained to look for medical ID.

Situations where it is particularly important

  • If your diabetes is treated with insulin or any of the diabetes tablets that can cause a hypo.
  • If you have a hypo that you can’t treat yourself. A severe hypo can cause confusion, irritability or irrational behaviour, so you might not be able to tell anyone that you’re feeling hypo.
  • If you’ve been drinking alcohol as the symptoms of going hypo can be mistaken for being drunk.
  • If you’re doing any type of physical activity which might cause you to have a hypo, especially if the people you’re with aren’t aware of your diabetes.  
  • If you’re on holiday or in any situation where you need to explain about your diabetes.

Two main forms of medical ID

ID cards

This is cheapest and perhaps the simplest form. It’s a card that you keep in your purse or wallet, which states that you have diabetes, how your diabetes is treated and emergency contact details. These can be ordered from Diabetes UK by calling  0800 585 088 or online.

Do remember that this type of ID will not be immediately obvious to emergency services as you generally carry it in your purse or wallet.

Jewellery

There are many different types of jewellery available, such as necklaces, bracelets, watches and so on. All carry the international symbol of medicine (a snake coiled round a rough staff) on the front, so it’s easy for people to recognise.

Your medical details are engraved on the reverse. Some jewellery may simply state that you have diabetes and perhaps what treatment you are on. You can often buy this type of jewellery and have it engraved yourself.

Other types of medical ID jewellery give the number for a database from which healthcare professionals can access more detailed information about your medical condition. There may be an annual charge for this type of service.

Wearing this type of jewellery around a pulse point ie your neck or wrist, will make it easier for emergency services to find.