OVERVIEW:
Diabetes is an insulin-related disease, in which the pancreas cannot sufficiently produce or properly use the hormone insulin. Diabetes heightens sugar levels in the blood, and can have significant impacts on your health, so it is vital that people with diabetes be serious about managing and monitoring their health.

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1: an incurable condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin; usually surfaces early in life; treatable with insulin, and helped by changes in diet and exercise

Type 2: an incurable condition that occurs when the body is somewhat desensitized to insulin; usually surfaces in adulthood though now is present in overweight children; treatable with diet, exercise, medication, and, in some cases, insulin; the most common form of diabetes

Gestational: occurs in mothers during pregnancy but usually ceases with infant delivery

Diabetes can cause or contribute to heart disease, vascular disease, high blood pressure, nerve damage, kidney damage, gum disease, blurred vision and blindness, digestive problems, and poor circulation in feet. Diabetes patients are also likely to two to four times more likely to suffer a stroke than people without diabetes.

Learn more:
American Diabetes Association: All About Diabetes
diabetes.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Diabetes FAQ
cdc.gov
National Kidney Foundation: Diabetes
kidney.org
Wikipedia: Diabetes


HOW TO GET INSURANCE:

Life insurance: Once you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, getting approved for life insurance coverage can be very expensive. Many insurance providers want to whether or not you are in good health before they approve you for a policy. One option is to choose an insurer that examines your total health, not just your conditions. A great option is a guaranteed, no-test insurance policy—so you won’t have to answer questions about your health or have a physical or health exam.

Health insurance:
As with other chronic diseases, it is important to hold onto you health insurance policy so that you can afford consistent medical care and treatment. If your policy lapses, you may find it difficult to get health coverage, or that you are subject to pre-existing condition waiting periods, which can last as long as a year. Also, insurance companies will consider you a high-risk patient and either charge you very high premiums or not offer you coverage at all. If you already have health insurance coverage, you may want to seek supplemental coverage to offset your treatment costs.

Unfortunately, health insurance can be difficult to obtain for those with diabetes. If you are having trouble getting approved for a policy, it’s important to know your rights and options.

Learn more:
American Diabetes Association: Health Insurance Information for People with Diabetes
diabetes.org

Bureau of Primary Health Care: Health Center Program
bphc.hrsa.gov

National Conference for State Legislatures: State Laws Mandating Diabetes Health Coverage
ncsl.org

NUTRITION, EXERCISE, AND WELL-BEING:
Being careful about what you eat is vital if you are a diabetic. There is sometimes a misconception, though, that diabetics must follow a really restrictive diet. Controlling your sugar intake is key to maintaining a healthy blood glucose level. But, fortunately, there are several artificial sweeteners on the market today, allowing you to enjoy many of the same sweet foods that nondiabetics do. If you can, talk with a nutritionist about your diabetes so he or she can customize a diet for your needs.

Getting control of your weight and being physically active can go a long way in improving your condition. For those who are pre-diabetic, they may even be able to prevent the condition. The American Diabetes Association website has excellent information for those at risk.

Learn more:
American Diabetes Association (ADA): Nutrition & Recipes
diabetes.org
ADA: Weight Loss & Exercise
diabetes.org
American Dietetic Association: Recommend books for those with diabetes
eatright.org
America Kidney Foundation: Diabetes and Kidney Disease
kidneyfund.org
Heart Health: Type 2 Diabetes
heart-health.org
USDA: Diet and Disease: Diabetes
usda.org

PATIENT RESOURCES:
For more in-depth information, please explore these knowledge-rich websites:

American Diabetes Association
diabetes.org
American Diabetes Association: Community, Workplace & Local Events
diabetes.org
FDA Diabetes Information
fda.gov
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
jdrf.org
Indian Health Service National Diabetes Program
ihs.gov
National Diabetes Education Program
ndep.nih.gov
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov
NDIC: Introduction to Diabetes
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov
NIDC: Weight-Control Information Network
win.niddk.nih.gov
Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescent and Youth
todaystudy.org
Veterans Health Administration: Diabetes
va.gov