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Diabetes is a disease that affects an incredible number of people. In fact, 21 million Americans are currently living with the condition. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note, that’s almost 1 out of every 10 citizens. A further 84.1 million adults have prediabetes, which means they are at risk of developing the disease.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month (#NDAM), a time when a light is shone on the prevalence and risk of diabetes. With more focus and education, the hope is that fewer people will get this serious medical condition.

As part of its commitment to the overall well-being of families and their communities, Foresters Financial™ is proud to help promote #NDAM. We’re also making it easier for people living with type 2 diabetes to qualify for life insurance, providing products designed to help get fast coverage for people living with diabetes, and helping our members with discounted diabetes management products.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetes

 

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body’s blood sugar levels are too high. This is caused by the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin to break down the glucose in your bloodstream.

What Causes diabetes?

Risk factors for diabetes are obesity, a family history of the disease, and environmental factors.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

Symptoms of diabetes can include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Unusual weight gain or loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
  • Infections that are frequent or recurring
  • Tingling in the hands and feet

What’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

There are two main kinds of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. With Type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t make insulin at all. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. Anyone with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is characterized by the body’s inability to make or use insulin well.

What’s the treatment for diabetes?

General treatment for diabetes includes getting more physical exercise and eating a well-balanced diet. Other treatments include monitoring of A1C (blood sugar) levels, and in some cases, the use of insulin to regulate them. Oral medications may also be prescribed.

What are possible complications from diabetes?

There are a number of serious complications from diabetes, including:

  • Hearing impairment
  • Kidney damage
  • Vision impairment
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Skin conditions

How can you prevent diabetes?

The best ways to prevent diabetes are to be active at least 3 times-a-week and to maintain a balanced, low-fat diet filled with fruits, vegetables and enough fiber.

What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a precursor to diabetes. It means that your blood sugar levels are high enough that diabetes is a risk, but not sufficiently high that you have the disease yet.

What are the symptoms of Prediabetes?

Many of the symptoms of prediabetes are similar to those of diabetes itself, such as unusual thirst, sudden weight loss and blurred vision.

Can people living with diabetes qualify for life insurance?

In short, yes. In fact, Foresters has recently launched a portfolio of life insurance products for people with diabetes including Strong Foundation, term insurance designed for people living with diabetes. Find out more about life insurance and diabetes. Or, if you’d prefer to speak to someone about your options, let us connect you with an agent. They’ll be able to help you determine the best life insurance solution for you. Let us connect you with an agent by clicking here.

Foresters Financial and its employees, agents and life insurance representatives do not provide, on Foresters behalf, legal, estate, health, medical or tax advice. Consult your physician or licensed healthcare professional for any questions or information about your medical care.

Foresters member benefits are non-contractual, subject to benefit specific eligibility requirements, definitions and limitations and may be changed or cancelled without notice or are no longer available.

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