Diabetes vs Medical ID's

I am here to make a case based on fact. Diabetics should never leave home without proper identification. No I don't mean a drivers license. I mean medical alert identification.
In recent news, there have been diabetic patients who were mistaken as drunks. During a hypoglycemic episode, diabetics have all the signs and symptoms as a drunk.
During an episode it is not unusual for a diabetic to slur words, not be able to walk a straight line, become belligerent or unconscious.
A hypoglycemic episode can come upon a diabetic without prior warning. It is very important to wear some sort of identification to alert others that you may be having a low blood sugar attack.
In a worst case scenario, others around you may think you are intoxicated, which can lead to tragedy; especially if you are behind the wheel of a car.



Last year, a metro Detroit police department was accused of mistaking a diabetic man for a drunken driver and beating him to the point that he required surgery to remove part of his brain. A lawsuit was filed by the attorney representing the man's wife.
We need better training of our law enforcement officers and the general public; to know how to effectively deal with this condition.
Public awareness is key, so that incidents like this never happen again. Unfortunately, over 23 million people are diagnosed diabetics and another 6 million are unaware they have it. Patient information and public education is paramount.
Until better training is instituted it is up to all diabetics to wear medical alert jewelry and carry medical ID cards. Paramedics are trained to look for medical alert bracelets first. Wearing identification may save your life or that of a loved one. Case closed.

Anthony Harris Jr., MD, MS is a primary care physician. As a primary care physician, Dr. Harris has treated many patients with diabetes and obesity related illness, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Dr. Harris is committed to patient education. For more information on diabetes and medical identification please visit the website: http://www.BlackDiabetic.org