DIABETES

Alexa’s Journey with Type 1 Diabetes: How One Medical ID Helped Save Her Life

At just 15 years old, Alexa was an energetic teen who loved playing softball, staying active, and diving into life’s adventures. But everything changed the day she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes – a chronic condition where the body stops producing insulin. Overnight, her life became about blood sugar checks, insulin pumps, and managing the unmanageable.

For a teenager with big dreams and a full life, it was overwhelming.

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A Mother’s instinct—and a life-saving discovery

Thankfully, Alexa wasn’t facing this new reality alone. Her mom quickly stepped into protector mode, determined to do everything she could to keep her daughter safe.

In her search for extra peace of mind, she found MedicAlert. With a simple medical ID bracelet, Alexa had a constant safety net — something that could speak for her if she couldn’t. To Alexa, it wasn’t just jewelry. It was a quiet source of confidence and security that let her live her life a little more freely.

As the years went on and life got busy, Alexa let her MedicAlert membership lapse. It didn’t seem like a big deal — until it was.

One ordinary day at work, Alexa experienced a diabetic crash and collapsed. Emergency responders rushed in, but things took a terrifying turn: she went into anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. She couldn’t breathe. Her body shut down.

And no one knew why — because she didn’t have her medical ID.

Alexa nearly died that day. The experience left a lasting impact, not only on her, but on her entire family. Her husband, shaken by how close they came to losing her, made a promise: she would never be without protection again.

Why Alexa Trusts MedicAlert — then, now, and always

Today, Alexa wears her MedicAlert medical ID every day. It’s more than a backup plan — it’s a promise to herself and her family that she’s always prepared.

Together with her Omnipod insulin pump and Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor, MedicAlert is part of her everyday toolkit for managing type 1 diabetes. And if an emergency ever strikes again, she knows first responders will have instant access to her health history, allergies, and emergency contacts — thanks to MedicAlert’s 24/7 emergency response service.

Three and a half years after that frightening day, Alexa continues to live with strength and optimism. With her loved ones by her side and the right tools in her corner, she’s living proof that even with a chronic condition, you can thrive.

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MedicAlert gives me peace of mind,

It helps me live my life with confidence.

Facts About Diabetes

37 million people in the United States have diabetes, 1 in 5 of them don’t know they have it.

96 million US adults—over a third—are prediabetic, and more than 8 in 10 don't they have it

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States

Source: Diabetes Association of America

What is type 1 diabetes?

Unlike type 2 diabetes, which can sometimes be managed with diet or medication, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that requires lifelong insulin therapy. It occurs when the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin — a hormone that helps convert food into energy.

Common symptoms include:

Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Sudden weight loss

While there is currently no cure, organizations like JDRF, the American Diabetes Association, and the Diabetes Research Institute are working toward better treatments and, eventually, a cure.

Why Medical IDs matter for people with diabetes

If you or someone you love is living with type 1 diabetes, a medical ID could be a life-saving decision. In an emergency, every second counts. A medical ID helps first responders understand your condition and respond quickly — especially if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

Just like Alexa, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.