Living with diabetes requires vigilance. Monitoring your condition daily and taking medications prescribed by your doctor are both vital to your health. Even with proper management, medical situations or emergencies are still possible. Medical ID bracelets can come in handy during times of crisis, especially if you aren’t able to direct the person caring for you.

A medical ID bracelet often does double duty. Not only can they be fashionable pieces of jewelry, but they also contain information about your condition and your emergency contact information. In some instances, wearing this simple accessory can mean the difference between immediate care and prolonged trial and error during treatment.

According to a survey by American Medical ID, approximately 95 percent of responders look for a medical ID in an emergency situation. The survey also found that more than 75 percent of doctors look for an ID when assessing someone.

Although medical information can be included on a number of different accessory items, such as necklaces or key chains, the survey found that about 95 percent of people check the wrist first.

What information should you include on your medical ID bracelet?

To ensure its efficiency, it’s important that you include all relevant medical information on your ID bracelet.

You should include:

the type of diabetes you have
whether you take insulin
any allergies you may have
an in-case-of-emergency phone number (also known as an ICE number)
any implants, such as a pacemaker or insulin pump, that shouldn’t go in an MRI scanner
any other pertinent medical information