Review - Butler & Grace Medical ID bracelet

Just over three years ago I got a definitive Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

Summer was approaching, the weather was getting warmer and pushing my baby daughter’s buggy around in the heat was giving me constant hypos (low blood sugar). 

The worst case scenario that kept running through my sleep-deprived head was getting a bad hypo whilst out and about. 

The idea of a sudden hypo coming on, passing out whilst in charge and nobody knowing my medical history or who to call was a really scary thought. 

There are two things I did for peace of mind. The first was to fill out my Medical ID in the Health app of my iPhone (there's a good set-up guide here).

The second was to get a medical ID bracelet. 

The first I tried was a pretty beaded bracelet but it had an awkward clasp that took me ages to take on and off each day. Next I bought a silicone band - perfectly functional for day to day but more practical than pretty.

Recently I had the chance to try the Tangle ID bracelet by Butler & Grace, a company specialising in stylish medical ID ware.

What I love about this bracelet is that on first inspection it’s a fashionable chunky bracelet and doesn’t scream medical ID from a distance. 

Attached to the bracelet is a small disc with the Star of Life symbol of emergency medicine. On the back it can be customised with your own personal information - mine includes the wording ‘Type 1 diabetic - Insulin Pump - ICE (in case of emergency) and my husband’s mobile number).

It's made of polished stainless steel and has a big clasp, so is easy to take on and off without asking for help.

I’m a big fan of chunky jewellery, so this is actually the type of bracelet I would buy to accessorise an outfit. The fact it’s also potentially lifesaving is an added bonus.

Next on my list is to teach my daughters about the bracelet so they can make people aware of it if mummy isn’t feeling well.

If medical ID bracelets have never appealed to you, I’d highly recommend taking another look. For the full range of Butler & Grace products, take a look here.

Butler & Grace kindly sent me the Tangle bracelet in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and views are my own personal opinion.

The importance of 'me-time'

“‘Taking time out for yourself is not indulgent. It’s essential’”

I came across these words from Marina Fogle, founder of ‘The Bump Class’ and the wife of TV presenter Ben Fogle, when skimming through the Sunday papers and I literally couldn’t agree more.

Just a few days beforehand, after a hectic day with our two young girls, I cornered my husband and told him I desperately needed some ‘me-time’. 

I wanted to either check into a hotel for the night or find a spa with a pool I could sink into for the afternoon.

I personally believe taking time out to recharge is absolutely essential. 

I’m a bit of a slave to my phone at the moment and to social media - I’m falling behind with reading and watching films.

I'm easily distracted by technology, my mind is distracted and foggy.

Sharmadean Read who founded WAH Nails and beautystack.com offers some great advice in her column in The Guardian’s Weekend magazine :

“‘You don’t need to move 100 miles to get headspace: simply scheduling a long Saturday afternoon walk in empty fields will do. Go on your own though. It’s remarkable what your brain comes up with when you aren’t preoccupied with other people.’”

So my headspace came in the form of a spa afternoon. I found an offer at a favourite London hotel of mine -  One Aldwych and booked myself in for a Sip and Spa treatment - a signature Glow Oskia facial which included a cocktail in the bar afterwards and also access to the indoor pool.

The facial was 75 minutes of luxury pampering and deep cleaning. The luxury treatments on my skin included warm candle wax painted on my face which was just blissful.

I had the pool (which plays music underwater) to myself and got some laps in before sinking into one of the lounger chairs in my fluffy robe and reading a magazine.

© One Aldwych Hotel

 

A Rose de Mai cocktail was served up in the hotel’s Lobby Bar afterwards. I remember first visiting this bar a few years back, enjoying afternoon tea as the sunlight snuck in and filled the room and its high ceilings with light. 

It's so easy to put off ‘me-time’ - make excuses, feel guilty for leaving the kids, or maybe for spending the money.

I can honestly say, a few hours out, even for a spa, dinner or a coffee alone, really can make the world of difference physically and mentally.

10 things having Type 1 diabetes has taught me

There’s a lot I can tell you about Type 1 diabetes.

For starters it's 24/7 and yes, I can still eat chocolate.

It's a total pain having to know your blood sugar ALL THE TIME.

Before I reach for something in the fridge I need to know what my blood sugar level is and that means doing a finger prick blood test.

I can sometimes be found in the kitchen at 3am drinking Coca-Cola to stop a hypo (low blood sugar). That can be pretty disruptive too.

But I don’t want this post to be doom and gloom. Ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14th, I wanted to sit back and reflect on my time with Type 1.

It’s a condition that’s changed me in many ways and I’ve put together 10 things I have learned and am grateful for since being diagnosed 2.5 years ago:

1. Health is key - Type 1 is autoimmune so there’s nothing I could have done to prevent it. I now focus on looking after myself with balanced meals and regular walking. Type 1 has definitely made me pay more attention to my body.

2. I CAN have chocolate - Phew... My first thought on being diagnosed was that chocolate was out the window. I can eat chocolate as long as I inject for it though the best bet for me is to eat smaller amounts at a time.

3. I CAN eat out - sounds silly but when I was diagnosed this was a total nightmare, the same with takeaways. I would stress out at the size of portions -how would I know how much insulin to give? Now I look at menus online and in advance and I am upfront with the staff, explain I'm Type 1 and ask about the sizes of portions.

4. Relaxation is really important - massage used to be a luxury, now I see it as a necessity for helping me feel less anxious, relaxed and on top of things. I try to factor in a deep tissue massage every 4-6 weeks.

5. A support network is everything - even a Type 1 diabetic with good control has bad days. Days where you can eat the same food as the day before but for some unknown reason your blood sugars rocket or crash. Having  family and friends who you can talk to or offload to is really important. I still don’t know many people with Type 1 but having family who can listen when times are tough is amazing.

6. A good hospital team makes all the difference - a diabetes nurse you can call or email when times are rough, a dietician who can help you make changes to your diet, a consultant who listens and understands. A strong team is crucial.

7. Illness is tough - Flu is rough but for a diabetic it can be dangerous. Sickness bugs can play havoc with blood sugar (I have been in hospital twice needing a drip). I try to keep on top of sleep, eat plenty of fruit and veg and I always have the flu jab as soon as I can when flu season approaches.

8. An online support network - There’s an online network of Type 1 diabetics who help and support each other - I find this particularly on Twitter. There are monthly meet-ups, Twitter chats & Facebook pages you can join. Whilst you can feel like the new kid at school, it doesn’t last long as you gradually get to know others with Type 1.

9. The NHS is amazing - Since being diagnosed in 2015, I have been sent on a diabetes education course DAFNE and been given an insulin pump. This has cost the NHS over £5,000 and I don’t forget for a second how lucky I am to have these things along with the staff who have made it happen.

10. Don’t sweat the small stuff. OK, I do sweat the small stuff sometimes; we all do. But I’ve learned to live my life more, try new hobbies and activities, be grateful for each day and always try to focus on the positives. Type 1 diabetes is part of me now and I need to do my very best to look after myself physically and mentally. Looking for the positives and making the most of every day is crucial - simple as that.