Question Corner: What's a medical alert bracelet?

Question:

I was recently diagnosed with diabetes and I want to ensure I do everything possible to stay safe. I heard about medical bracelets, can you tell me more about them and if that's something you recommend. Also, what other measures I can take to ensure safety?

Thanks, Anonymous 

  

Answer:

Dear Anonymous, 

A medical bracelet or necklace to identify health conditions is a wonderful investment. Their essential purpose is to provide first responders with a quick overview of your medical conditions, allergies and medications to ensure safe and effective treatment in an emergency situation, thus reducing treatment errors and unnecessary testing.

In addition, once emergency personnel recognize a MedicAlert ID, they call 24/7 Emergency Response Center and are immediately connected to your medical history, ensuring you receive proper medical care and reducing the risk of treatment errors. The initial product purchase includes one free year of "My MedicAlert Services" ensuring your health information is made available in the event of an emergency. Please refer to www.medicalert.com for more detailed information.   There are other options for medical identification, cards or non-MedicAlert identifiers which may be less expensive, but will not have the telephone backup information.

 

It is also important to remember that you may set up a Medical ID on your smartphone, which allows you to create a medical profile that is accessible from the lock screen. This is another quick way for people to access your health history if you are unable to share it with them.   This option is secondary to the medical alert jewelry because you may not have your phone with you at all times or during an emergency. Additionally, it is not certain that Emergency Response Personnel will check your phone to see if there is a Medical ID.

Since we are discussing how to stay safe with diabetes, I'd like to mention the importance of glucose tablets and glucagon kits for people with type 1 diabetes. All people with any type of diabetes should carry glucose tablets, hard candy such as lifesavers or 4 ounce juice boxes to treat low blood sugar.  Discuss with your healthcare team what is best for you.   Stay safe!

Kind regards,

Victoria Abram, RN, CDE

 

Victoria Abram RN,CDE earned her nursing degree from Adelphi University. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with patients with diabetes and has a comprehensive knowledge of and experience in prediabetes, diabetes, prevention, and management. She recognizes the importance of assessing educational needs and each individual's readiness to learn.

Question Corner: How do I handle the food police?

Dear Question Corner:  I was recently diagnosed with diabetes, and when I go out to eat with family, they ask “should you be eating that?”, or sometimes say, "You can't eat that!". I have been meeting with my Diabetes Educator and am making healthy, well balanced meals based on what I’ve learned.  How do I let my friends and family understand that I know what I’m doing and am bothered by their questions and comments?

-       Questioning New Patient

Dear Questioning New Patient,

Unfortunately, what you describe is a common experience for people living with diabetes.  These questions and comments can come across as judgmental and nagging, and sometimes come at the worst possible time--when you're about to enjoy your food.  Initially you may feel angry, embarrassed, or annoyed.  While this is completely understandable, take a deep breath and recognize that their comments are coming from a place of concern and that they also come from a lack of understanding of what diabetes is and how foods can impact diabetes.  When people comment on what you're eating, you can use this as an opportunity to educate them about diabetes and the role that medication, food, and blood glucose monitoring play in your day to day management.

Of course, it can be exhausting to always have to explain your food choices, so it is also a good idea to set boundaries.  You can tell people that you're happy to answer their questions, but not when you're in the midst of eating and not while you're in a group setting.  Also, let your family members know that questions are fine, but comments about what you should and should not be doing are not helpful.  Find what is most comfortable for you and communicate this to your family.  If you are struggling with taking medications regularly, eating healthy, or other aspects of diabetes care, discuss with your family ways that they can be supportive.  With time and education, you will find that your family can be understanding and supportive in your experience with diabetes.  

This post was written by Camilla Levister, NP, CDE, a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner and Certified Diabetes Educator who has experience as an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor trainer.  Ms. Levister is a co-investigator for several research studies in diabetes taking place at the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center.

Question Corner: Sharps Disposal

Dear Question Corner: How do I dispose of lancets and syringes used for my diabetes care?

Dear Patient: 

Many patients ask me what they should do with their used sharps. First, let’s discuss what the term “sharps” means. Needles, lancets, syringes, and insulin pens are considered sharps and must be disposed of properly. Needles, syringes and lancets are intended for one time use. Once used, they still contain blood that can infect another person; this why it is so important to dispose of them properly.

            Sharps disposal containers can be purchased at your local pharmacy. You can also your own sharps container using a thick plastic, puncture proof container with a twist-top (such as:  a detergent or shampoo bottle). Once filled, tape it closed and clearly mark it “CONTAINS SHARPS.”

            Disposal laws are different in every region, so check with your local sanitation laws. New York City Department of Sanitation allows you to throw the sealed and marked container in the garbage. DO NOT RECYCLE.

            You can also bring your container to any hospital or nursing home in New York State for disposal.

            For more information, click on these links:  

• NYC Department of Sanitation - Household medical Waste
• New York State Dept. Of Health - Safe Sharps Disposal
• Diabetes Forecast - Making your own sharps container
• Diabetes Forecast -  How to trash your sharps

This post was written by Cara Blackhall, BSN, RN, CDE, who is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Medical-Surgical Nursing and is a Certified Diabetes Educator. Ms. Blackhall specializes in educating patients on lifestyle and health management, diabetes medication administration and use, insulin infusion pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring at the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center.

Question Corner: Travel tips for people with diabetes

Dear Question Corner: I was recently diagnosed with diabetes and am taking an airplane flight for the first time since my diagnosis.  Do I need a doctor’s note? How do I prepare for going through the security gate with my insulin and supplies? –Weary Traveler

Dear Weary Traveler: No need to be weary!  Today, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) agents are aware of the need for medical supplies, equipment, and medications required for travelers with diabetes.  A doctor’s note is not required, but you will need to be prepared in other ways as listed below: 

• Keep carry-on diabetes medications and supplies together.  This is not required but may make your security checkpoint experience faster and less stressful. 

• Injectable medications are not required to go in the same re-sealable bag designated for other liquids such as toiletries.

• When possible bring medications and supplies with the original label; however, this is not mandatory.

• Never place insulin or other injectable medications in checked bags.

• Although, juice packs, gels, and liquid glucose are allowed through security for those with diabetes, it is best to have a non-liquid form of glucose to simplify the screening process

• If you use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), check with the company about whether security equipment can be used to screen your specific devices. Many of these pumps or monitors cannot go though an xray device.   Failure to check on this point can result in damage to pump or sensor equipment.

• You have the right to refuse a body scan and can instead request a pat-down without having to disconnect from your pump or CGM.  When in doubt, this is the safest way to ensure the continued function of your device.

• Consider bringing back up supplies, in case you lose your meter or drop a vial of insulin.

• Prior to travel, do not hesitate to contact 1-855-782-2227 to speak with a TSA representative if you have additional questions.

 

If you encounter any difficulty during the screening process or need any assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the TSA center at 1-866-289-9673.  Additionally you can contact the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-Diabetes to report any problems.

 

This post was written by Camilla Levister, NP, CDE, a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner and Certified Diabetes Educator who has experience as an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor trainer.  Ms. Levister is a co-investigator for several research studies in diabetes taking place at the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center.