Like most of us, some things “diabetes” I’m good at and some…not so good. An area I usually excel in is being a “good girl” and wearing a type 1 medical ID bracelet. I’m not the kind of person that wears a lot of jewelry on a regular basis, nevertheless, when I first started wearing a diabetes ID, I tried out a few different kinds of bracelets. Most of them were very jewelry-like, lasted a day or two, and now sit in a drawer collecting dust. Once I discovered the ease and beauty of simply wearing a piece of silicone, I never went back to the other “prettier” bracelets. Silicone works for me because I don’t have to worry about getting it wet or getting food on it when I’m cooking; the kids can pull on it and play with it; I can shower, sleep, swim, play sports, and generally be active all while comfortably wearing it…and it still looks like it did on the day I started abusing it 4 years ago.
While I can’t control when or if an emergency situation might occur, I can try to have important info on hand (pun intended). So, if I’m going to wear the darn thing every day (in case of an emergency), I don’t just want it to say “Type 1 Diabetic” on it. I want it to at least list general medical information and my husbands phone number. I really like the idea of providing a phone number of someone who knows what medications and dosages I’m on, who knows my kids and their schedules. I find it comforting.
Geez, how can I fit all that information on a wristband?
I found a lot of bracelets that have tiny little pieces of papers or cards in them that you’re supposed to be able to neatly fill out with personal information. Sorry, but my handwriting is not that good (or that small). Plus, it’s paper…what kind of life expectancy can that little slip of paper have with stinky toddler fingers, days at the pool, and sinks full of dirty dishes?
I’ve researched endlessly online to find a company that will let me add multiple lines of custom text to a silicone bracelet (without requiring a minimum order of 50!). Here is my favorite: Design-A-Band. OK, admittedly, their site might seem a little hokey but I’ve ordered various bracelets from these guys over the years and they’re always spot-on!
And…drum role please…here’s my current favorite wristband: tried but true, worn day in and day out for 4 years, and glow-in-the-dark. On the outside I have some basic info that the whole world can see and on the inside, I have personal medical information and contact phone numbers.
I’m on a continuous quest to find ever cooler looking, totally customizable silicone wristbands. I’ll keep you posted…
Got one you really like? Tell us about it!
Pregnant single mom gets diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in her 4th month. Just like that. Needless to say, it was quite a ride but luckily for me, my natural go-to for dealing with rough situations has always been research, research, and more research. We made it through and are both happy and healthy 7 years later (although some Drs. might think otherwise).
