Diabetes may be increasingly common, but it doesn’t mean it’s less complicated as a disease. There’s the congenital type, Type 1 diabetes, which is akin to an autoimmune disease, and then there’s Type 2 diabetes, a lifestyle disease. There’s also gestational diabetes, which is acquired while pregnant.

Type 2 diabetes afflicts more Filipinos since modern diets are high in carbohydrates and saturated fats. Office lifestyles also do not favor enough physical activity. These tendencies have been driving up the incidence of diabetes in the Philippines. To date, one in 14 Filipinos is bound to have Type 2 diabetes. It’s important to note that weight gain increases the likelihood of the body developing resistance to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

Understanding the Serious Risks of Diabetes

The disease may not impair physical functions, but diabetes is also associated with grave health risks such as cardiovascular problems and kidney failure. Other symptoms such as skin sores, slow-healing wounds, constant fatigue, hearing impairment, and increased risk of dementia are just some of the alarming ones in a long list of complications.

Thus, diabetics need routine and special medical attention. Fortunately, measures for disease management can be done at home. Costs can quickly pile up as insulin and other medications must be taken regularly, along with regular blood glucose tests.

The thing to watch out for and prevent are the complications. This is the main reason insurance safety nets for diabetics must be set up.

Diabetes and Insurance

Is diabetes a pre-existing condition?The usual healthcare plans will therefore be a bit tight for diabetics. Diabetes could be considered a pre-existing condition, and some insurance providers are wary of giving diabetics full health benefits.

A lot of insurance plans for diabetics consider only some symptoms as pre-existing conditions and would cover them. There are also limitations on individual accounts. To maximize coverage, people with diabetes could consider lodging their healthcare plans with a corporate account, which would then be more generous with the coverage of complications for diabetics.

It is important to note that everyone nowadays can have access to healthcare plans, and even tailor these to their needs. Insurance companies are also increasingly aware of inclusivity—that is, designing their products, especially for those with specific needs. Diabetics need not worry about being refused and they can consult reliable insurance brokers for their options.

It is then only a matter of seeing the care options out there.

Financial Considerations for Diabetics

Managing diabetes involves ongoing expenses for medications, supplies, and medical consultations. These costs can quickly escalate, especially when complications arise. Here’s a breakdown of key financial aspects to consider:

• Essential Medications and Supplies: Regular administration of insulin (depending on the type of diabetes) requires syringes, blood lancets, glucose meters, diabetic test strips, and ketone test strips to monitor blood sugar levels effectively.
• Emergency Glucose Tablets: These are vital for managing hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can lead to seizures if untreated.
• Routine Medical Check-Ups: Frequent consultations and diagnostic tests are necessary to monitor symptoms and prevent complications.
• Hospital Coverage for Complications: Healthcare plans should include sufficient coverage for hospital stays, treatments, and access to essential hospital amenities during emergencies or severe complications.
• Medical Alert IDs: Many diabetics use medical alert bracelets or IDs to ensure timely and appropriate care during emergencies when they are unable to communicate their condition.

All these requirements can strain a diabetic’s budget. A supplemental insurance plan designed for diabetes can help cover these ongoing costs and provide financial relief, ensuring better access to necessary care and supplies.

Supplemental Plans for Better Support

Given the regular costs of diabetes management, a supplemental insurance plan tailored for diabetes can significantly ease the financial burden. It should not have to cause financial distress when symptoms and other complications need to be addressed. Consult us for available options and guidance in choosing health insurance suitable to different types of diabetes patients.

Contact Information for Inquiries and Support

Should you have any questions or require further assistance in applying for health insurance:

• Call: +63 2 8631 9285 to 86
• Mobile: +63 917 138 5120
• Email: info@reliable-insurance.ph
• Messenger: m.me/reliable.insurancebrokersph

Sources:

• Mayoclinic.org (n.d.) Diabetes Management: How Lifestyle, Routine Affect Blood Sugar.
• Casagrande, S., Park, J., Herman, W. & Bullard, K. (2023). Health Insurance and Diabetes. National Library of Medicine, USA.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). Living with Diabetes.