A recent analysis of BETTER registry data reveals that medical IDs aren’t very popular with people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In a sample of 2,302 Quebecers aged between 14 and 83 and signed up for the registry, only 42% wear a medical ID (e.g., bracelet, chain with medallion, ID card specifying T1D). In the event of an emergency, it is crucial that paramedics and police officers be made aware of your condition quickly, so they can assist you better and provide the care you need. Wearing a medical ID is a good option to communicate this information quickly, especially if you’re unconscious or unable to speak.
Who wears medical IDs and who doesn’t
The BETTER project team has analyzed the answers given to the question: “Do you wear a medical ID?” between 2019 and 2022 in order to compare the characteristics of people who do wear one and people who don’t.
People who wear a medical ID | People who don’t wear a medical ID | |
|---|---|---|
Average age | 43 | 39 |
Female (%) | 45.2 | 54.8 |
Male (%) | 35.7 | 64.3 |
People with ≤ 7% HbA1c (%) | 39.6 | 27.2 |
People wearing an insulin pump (%) | 41.1 | 35.5 |
People wearing a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system (%) | 83.7 | 79.6 |
People who have little to no awareness of hypoglycemia symptoms (%) | 21,5 | 16,5 |
More women go for medical IDs
The analysis shows that more women than men wear a medical ID (45% vs 35%). This could be explained by the fact that women generally tend to wear more jewellery such as bracelets and necklaces.
It’s important to note that the question from the registry didn’t mention tattoos, which are becoming ever more popular as a medical ID option. Perhaps the results would have been different. However, it is uncertain whether medical staff look for or notice this kind of ID.
Link between technology and medical IDs
Many believe that wearing a CGM system or an insulin pump is enough to show that they live with T1D. However, there are still more CGM and pump users who wear a medical ID. Why is that? Perhaps people who don’t use these devices don’t want to wear any visible form of sign that they live with T1D.
Hypoglycemia awareness as an influential factor
Among those who wear a medical ID, we also find more people who have little to no awareness of hypoglycemia symptoms (21.5% vs 16.5). However, the frequency and severity of hypoglycemic episodes don’t seem to be a deciding factor in whether to wear a medical ID or not. It is recommended that people who have little to no awareness of hypoglycemia symptoms or who have had severe hypoglycemia (i.e., that they were unable to treat themselves) wear a medical ID.
Relationship to diabetes as a deciding factor
People who wear a medical ID report being more confident in how they manage their condition and experiencing less diabetes burnout and stigma.
People who don’t wear a medical ID report not talking about their T1D for fear of stigma. This could explain why this group, who doesn’t want to be identified as having T1D, has the fewest number of technology users. Living with T1D is not easy, and some people face more challenges than others and are more reluctant to wear a medical ID.
Further studies needed
The results of this study suggest that having confidence in one’s diabetes management and being willing to reveal one’s condition can influence the decision to wear a medical ID in some people with T1D.
They also highlight some factors that influence the choice to wear or to not wear a medical ID and that can be integrated into public recommendations (e.g., determine whom it would benefit the most).
The BETTER team will soon analyze the results of a survey that aims at better understanding why people choose to wear or not wear a medical ID.
Reference:
- Messier, V. et al. (2025). Use of medical identification in people living with type 1 diabetes: results from the BETTER registry. Diabetes Care. dc250058. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc25-0058
Written by: Nathalie Kinnard, scientific writer and research assistant
Reviewed by:
- Virginie Messier, M.Sc.
Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret, MD, PhD
Marie-Christine Payette, Jacques Pelletier, Michel Dostie & Claude Laforest, patients partners
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