Creating Your “Personal Medical Resume” for Type 1 Diabetes
A personal medical resume is a crucial tool that consolidates your health information in one place. It provides healthcare providers, emergency responders, and caregivers with a comprehensive view of your medical history and diabetes management plan, ensuring you receive appropriate care when needed. Here’s how to prepare one:
1. Basic Information
- Name, Date of Birth, and Contact Information
- Emergency Contacts: Include at least two people (family members, friends, or advocates).
2. Current Medication List
- Medications: Include the names, dosages, and frequency of all prescribed medications, including insulin types and dosages.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: List any supplements or non-prescription drugs.
- Insulin Pump or CGM Settings: Detail your basal rates, insulin-to-carb ratios, correction factors, and sensor calibration details.
3. Healthcare Providers
- Primary Care Physician
- Endocrinologist
- Pharmacist
- Other Specialists: Include contact information for any specialists you see regularly.
4. Advocates
- Identify trusted individuals who understand your medical needs and can advocate for you during emergencies. Provide their contact information and relationship to you.
5. Description of Your Diabetes Care
- Daily Routine: Outline how you manage your diabetes, including insulin administration, CGM usage, and meal planning.
- Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Response: Document your strategies for treating high and low blood sugar levels.
6. Medical History
- Surgical History: List any surgeries, the dates they occurred, and any relevant outcomes.
- Vaccination Record: Include all recent vaccinations, especially flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia shots.
- Allergies: Specify allergies to medications, foods, or materials (e.g., latex).
7. Advance Healthcare Directive
Include a copy of your advance healthcare directive or provide instructions on where it is stored. This document outlines your medical wishes and names a decision-maker if you cannot make decisions yourself.
8. Additional Information
- Insurance Information: Include a copy of your insurance card.
- Medical Alerts: If you wear a medical ID, note what it says.
- Prescriptions: Add copies of your prescriptions for easy refills during emergencies.
Tips for Maintaining Your Medical Resume
- Update it regularly, especially after changes in medication, surgeries, or healthcare providers.
- Store a printed copy in your Go Bag and share digital versions with trusted family members or advocates.
This document is an essential resource to keep your diabetes care seamless and efficient, no matter the situation.