Emergency Card for Diabetics — Free Printable Template
A diabetes emergency card tells first responders three critical things: you have diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2), what insulin or other medications you take, and what to do if your blood sugar is too low. Carrying one can prevent paramedics from misdiagnosing hypoglycemia as intoxication or stroke.
Include insulin type and dose, blood sugar target range, an emergency contact, and any allergies. If you wear an insulin pump or CGM, note the brand and where it's placed.
Free, no signup, your data stays on your device.
What to put on a diabetes emergency card
- •Diagnosis — "Type 1 Diabetes" or "Type 2 Diabetes" written clearly. Type matters because Type 1 patients can develop DKA quickly without insulin.
- •Current insulin — Brand, type (basal/bolus), and dose — e.g. "Lantus 20 units at night, Humalog 4–6 units with meals." Use exactly what your doctor prescribed.
- •Other diabetes medications — Metformin, Ozempic, Jardiance, Glipizide, etc., with dose. These affect emergency treatment.
- •Insulin pump or CGM — Brand and where the device is worn. Paramedics may need to disconnect a pump before defibrillation or imaging.
- •Hypoglycemia plan — "If unconscious, give glucagon or IV dextrose. If conscious, 15g fast-acting carbs." A short instruction prevents wasted minutes.
- •Drug allergies — Penicillin, sulfa drugs, contrast dye, latex — anything a hospital might administer.
- •Emergency contact — Name, phone number, and relationship — ideally someone who knows your full medical history.
- •Doctor / endocrinologist — Name and phone number. Hospitals will call them for guidance on your specific regimen.
Why a diabetes emergency card matters
Severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can look like drunkenness, a seizure, or a stroke. A person who is sweating, confused, or unresponsive may be misdiagnosed without context. A wallet card that says "I have Type 1 Diabetes — I may be hypoglycemic" is sometimes the only thing standing between fast treatment and a delay that causes harm.
On the other end, untreated Type 1 diabetes can develop into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) within hours. DKA is a medical emergency. Paramedics knowing you take insulin changes how they monitor and treat you en route to the hospital.
For people on insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors (CGM), an emergency card is also a service note: if you're going into surgery or imaging, the equipment may need to be removed or paused. Listing the brand makes that easier.
In an emergency, call your local emergency number first — 911 (US/Canada), 999 (UK), 1122 (Pakistan), 112 (EU). This card is a supplement, not a substitute, for medical care.
Related guides
What to Put on a Medical ID Card: 12-Item Checklist
The general checklist of medical info that belongs on every wallet or fridge emergency card.
Emergency Card for Diabetics: What to Include
A detailed guide on insulin notation, hypoglycemia plans, and pump/CGM disclosure for paramedics.
ICE Card vs Medical Alert Bracelet vs Phone ID
Comparison of physical card, medical alert jewelry, and phone-based Medical ID for diabetics.
Why Every Senior Needs an Emergency Info Card
Why a $0 paper card beats apps and bracelets in real emergencies — especially for older diabetics.
Sources
We cite primary, authoritative sources. Read our editorial standards for how we research and verify information.
- American Diabetes Association — Standards of Care in Diabetes
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Diabetes — patient resources
- Mayo Clinic — Diabetic hypoglycemia — symptoms and causes
- NHS — Type 1 diabetes — overview and emergency care
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