diabetes wristband, diabetes, wristband, medical idDo you know someone who lives with diabetes? Perhaps a family member or a friend? Or perhaps you are worried about the risks of getting diabetes and want to find out more information and how to stay safe by wearing a diabetes wristband.

Well read on, as we outline the risks, the causes, how to manage the condition should you or someone you know be diagnosed and how wearing a diabetes wristband can help keep one safe.

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body cannot manage the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), diabetes occurs when the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot use it effectively. Produced in the pancreas, insulin is a vital hormone that controls blood glucose levels.

If diabetes is not controlled, a number of long term health issues may develop. These may include:

  • Loss of vision
  • Amputation of lower limbs
  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Mental health deterioration

Diabetes can generally be classified into three distinct groups: Type 1, 2 and gestational.

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10 percent of diabetes cases diagnosed in Australia. Unlike type 2, it is related to one's genetics and not related to a poor diet.

Type 2

diabetes wristband, diabetes, wristband, medical id

Type 2 diabetes is generally stemmed from lifestyle factors. A diet consisting of high levels of sugar and processed foods combined with a lack of exercise will generally put one at a higher risk of becoming diabetic. Statistics from Diabetes Australia show that Type 2 accounts for 85 percent of diabetes cases diagnosed.

Gestational

This occurs when high levels of sugar are detected in the blood during pregnancy.

Management

One of the main misconceptions about diabetes is that there is little you can do to prevent the onslaught of related health problems once diagnosed with the condition. But this is not entirely true, whilst there is no cure for diabetes at this state, there is a lot that one can do to help manage the symptoms and continue to live a full and happy life.

The key to managing diabetes successfully is information, self-monitoring and the help of a great medical team. Regular check-ups and good advice from a doctor or a diabetes coordinator is essential to delaying — or avoiding — associated symptoms. It is recommended to have regular blood tests to measure glycated haemoglobin ( known as HbA1c), which monitors average blood sugar levels over a period of weeks or months.

However whilst a professional team is necessary, the best way to manage diabetes is individual monitoring on a daily basis. Using a blood sugar monitor (see image) to measure the level of sugar in the blood several times a day is imperative in helping the person with diabetes to understand what causes blood sugar to spike.

diabetes wristband medical bracelet, diabetes, wristbandMonitoring & Testing

Blood sugar should be measured after fasting (first thing in the morning) and around two hours after meals. The measurement after meals will help the person identify which part of their diet causes blood sugar levels to rise. For example, eating white bread may cause levels to spike dramatically. Careful daily management will help individuals better understand, respond effectively and quickly should there be a stake in their blood sugar level.

Managing diabetes comes down to rigorous testing and careful monitoring of diet. However it also pays to be prepared. At times when blood sugar levels are too low, individuals suffering from diabetes may risk falling into a hypoglycemic episode. This is when having a diabetes wristband can help. It speaks immediately to the paramedics the condition of the patient and as well as the type of diabetes - which can literally be a lifesaver.

Early diagnosis, effective self-monitoring, watching the diet, getting regular exercise and expert help all play an important role in managing the condition. While prevention is always preferable — via a sensible diet and healthy lifestyle in the case of Type 2 — managing diabetes rigorously will help delay or avoid the complications associated with the condition.

Wearing a Diabetes Wristband

diabetes wristband, diabetes, wristband, medical idMedical alert diabetes wristbands are a critical aspect of staying safe for any individual living with a medical condition, and this is no exception to those with diabetes. It is important to follow all the top tips mentioned above, but should the worst happen, you need to prepare yourself to give yourself the best chance of survival.

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