Life Insurance for Diabetics

Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It is caused by the body’s inability to produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, blindness, and kidney disease. It is important for people with Diabetes to manage their condition by following a healthy lifestyle, taking medications as prescribed, and regularly monitoring their blood sugar levels.

For people with Diabetes, obtaining life insurance can be more challenging than for those without the condition. This is because people with Diabetes are at an increased risk of developing serious health complications, which can make them a higher risk to insure. However, this does not mean that it is impossible for people with Diabetes to get life insurance. It is possible to get coverage, but the premiums may be higher than for someone without Diabetes.

There are several factors that life insurance companies consider when determining the premiums for people with Diabetes. These include:

Type of Diabetes: There are two main types of Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and it requires lifelong insulin treatment. Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of Diabetes, and it occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough of it. It is often associated with being overweight and inactive, and it can often be managed through lifestyle changes and medications. Life insurance companies may view people with Type 1 Diabetes as a higher risk because it is a more severe form of the condition and requires more intensive treatment.
Duration of Diabetes: The longer someone has had Diabetes, the more likely it is that they have developed complications or will develop complications in the future. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves over time. Life insurance companies may consider the length of time someone has had Diabetes when determining their premiums.
Blood sugar control: People with well-controlled blood sugar levels are generally seen as a lower risk to insure than those with poorly controlled levels. Life insurance companies may ask for records of blood sugar levels to determine how well someone is managing their Diabetes.
Complications: People with Diabetes who have developed complications, such as heart disease or kidney disease, may be viewed as a higher risk to insure.
Lifestyle factors: Life insurance companies may also consider other factors that can impact someone’s health, such as their diet, exercise habits, and whether they smoke.

Life Insurance companies will always ask for an individual’s HbA1c reading, this will give them a good indication on how well controlled the condition is. Lots of people are familiar with the term, but below is some information on what the reading:

HbA1c (also known as A1c or glycated Haemoglobin) is a test that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is used to diagnose diabetes and to monitor blood sugar control in people with the condition. The test is usually done on a blood sample taken from a vein in the arm.

In the United Kingdom, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (https://www.nice.org.uk/) recommends using HbA1c as a diagnostic tool for diabetes. The guidelines for the diagnosis of diabetes state that diabetes is diagnosed when an HbA1c level of 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or above is found on two separate occasions.

For people with Diabetes, HbA1c is an important measure of blood sugar control, and it is recommended that a person’s HbA1c should be measured at least twice a year. The NICE guidelines recommend a target HbA1c level of 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below for most people with diabetes. Some people may be able to achieve a lower target, depending on their individual circumstances. The goal is to keep HbA1c levels as close to normal as possible, while avoiding low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia).

It’s worth noting that HbA1c should not be used as a sole measure of blood sugar control, as it doesn’t reflect short-term changes in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it’s important for people with diabetes to also monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and discuss their results with their healthcare team.

If you have Diabetes and are seeking life insurance, it is important to be honest about your condition when applying for coverage. Failing to disclose your Diabetes or providing inaccurate information could result in your policy being denied or cancelled. It is also a good idea to work with a Specialist has experience working with people with Diabetes. Your Life Protected has years of experience helping Diabetics secure cover, if you would like some more information or a quotation, give us a call or submit an enquiry. We’ll help you find a policy that meets your needs and fits your budget.

In conclusion, while having Diabetes may make it more challenging to obtain life insurance, it is often still possible to get coverage. It is important for people with Diabetes to manage their condition and take steps to reduce their risk of complications, as this can help them get more favourable terms on their life insurance policy.