Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. Approximately 90% of all people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood.
This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells in fat, muscle and liver tissue do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. Over time, however, the pancreas can no longer secrete enough insulin and blood sugars begin to rise. People who are overweight and inactive are FAR more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Treatment includes a healthy diet, weight loss, exercise and ultimately the need for diabetes medications if people are not successful with weight loss and calorie control.
Can I Get Life Insurance as a Diabetic?
You can get life insurance if you have Type 2 diabetes, providing your diabetes has been under control for a period of at least 6 to 12 months. You can also get life insurance if you are insulin dependent. Diabetics who have their diabetes under control may or may not be approved for life insurance coverage if they have additional contributing health risks, such as:
•Coronary heart disease
•Smoking
•Obesity
•High blood pressure which is not controlled
If not approved, you may be able to purchase specialty life insurance options like guaranteed-issue life insurance, but try to avoid that, if possible with some healthful suggestions below.
Get Motivated to Achieve a Healthy Weight
Because most people with diabetes and pre-diabetes are overweight to obese, the Number ONE Strategy for improving blood glucose regulation is achieving a healthy weight. While losing weight isn’t easy, the rewards are great! One way to increase your motivation is to find some inspiration. Ask yourself – do the costs of life insurance associated with staying at your current weight outweigh the benefits of weight loss? Losing weight will ultimately help you feel and look better and increase your energy level so you can do more of the things you enjoy.
Taking Action may help you get a lower premium
Once you’re ready to take action, look for a weight management program designed to promote a safe rate of weight loss while helping to preserve your lean muscle mass. Lean muscle is metabolically active tissue—which means it burns more calories than non-muscle tissue! If you don’t follow a safe, nutritionally sound weight loss program, chances are you’ll lose some of your muscle which will lower your metabolism—which means you burn less calories and it is more difficult to lose weight :
•Meal replacement beverages or bars packed with protein and fiber. Meal replacement shakes and bars are a convenient way to control calories. Boosting your intake of high quality protein and fiber at meal times also helps control hunger and promotes satiety. Adequate amounts of dietary soluble fiber can also help lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
•Low glycemic index food choices.
•Boosts in physical activity. Increasing your level of physical activity not only increases calories burned in a day, it also improves insulin sensitivity – your body’s ability to use insulin to transport glucose from the blood into the cells of the body.
•Minerals and botanicals that help regulate blood sugar. Although achieving a healthy weight is the first step in retaining normal blood sugar levels, ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients and botanicals may also help support blood sugar regulation. For example, the essential trace mineral chromium is needed for normal insulin function. Magnesium is also necessary for normal glucose metabolism by affecting both normal insulin secretion and responsiveness to insulin. Zinc is necessary for normal production, storage and secretion of insulin and vanadium is also involved in normal insulin function. Colosolic acid, an active component of the botanical banaba leaf extract may also help support normal blood sugar regulation.
•Support tools and education. Successful weight management involves not only permanent lifestyle changes to your eating and exercising habits but ongoing education and understanding about all the factors that influence your weight.
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