National Diabetes Awareness Month
Together, we can share, learn and reduce the numbers.
Each November, we participate in National Diabetes Awareness Month to shine light on the prevalence and risk of diabetes.
With more focus and education, the hope is that fewer people will get this serious medical condition.
Startling numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show the impact of diabetes on Americans.
38 M1
Americans are living with diabetes.
One in five1 adults don’t even know they have it.
98 M1
US adults currently live with prediabetes.
Diabetes outcomes are not what they used to be
On a more encouraging note, improvements in diabetes treatment, technology and education are resulting in fewer complications related to diabetes. According to one study, vision impairment associated with the disease fell 19% over a 10-year period, while end-stage kidney failure fell 26%. Many people with well-managed diabetes are now able to enjoy the same quality of life as those without.We’re doing our part by improving access to life insurance
Our products2 are designed to provide fast coverage for people with diabetes and our member benefits3 help them embrace a healthy lifestyle:
- Community Volunteer grants – gives you $1,500 to give back to causes you care about in your community.
- Foresters Go™ – our wellness app makes it fun to earn exciting rewards for living well and helping others.4
- Diabetes member benefit – helps with the costs of diabetes management tools to simplify and save on how you manage your diabetes.
- Lifelong Learning – learn from the comfort of home with online courses like American Sign Language, first aid training, creative writing and more!5
Frequently asked questions about diabetes
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body’s blood sugar levels are too high. It’s caused by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to break down the glucose in your bloodstream.
What causes diabetes?
Typically, 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?
Type 1 diabetes is an early genetic condition where your body doesn’t make insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is typically related to your lifestyle. With type 2, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it well.
What’s the treatment for diabetes?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for diabetes, but it is treated through physical exercise and eating a balanced diet. You can also monitor your diabetes through A1C (blood sugar) levels and the use of insulin.
What are possible complications from diabetes?
Serious complications from diabetes can include:
- 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 three times a week and to maintain a balanced, low-fat diet filled with fruits, vegetables and enough fiber.
What is prediabetes?
When you’re diagnosed with prediabetes, your blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of prediabetes?
Many symptoms are similar to the ones found with diabetes, like unusual thirst, sudden weight loss and blurred vision.
Can people living with diabetes qualify for life insurance?
In short, yes. In fact, Foresters has a portfolio of products2 for people with diabetes. Learn more about life insurance and diabetes or connect with an agent to determine the best life insurance solution for you.
Check out these diabetes resources
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1 Source: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/diabetes-prediabetes.htm
2 Foresters products and their riders are underwritten by The Independent Order of Foresters and may not be available or approved in all states and are subject to eligibility requirements, underwriting approval, limitations and state variations. If you have questions regarding Foresters products and their riders, please contact your insurance agent or contact Foresters to be connected with an agent in your area.
3 Description of member benefits that you may receive assumes you are a Foresters member. In the United States members may currently only be anyone insured under a life or health insurance certificate, or an annuitant under an annuity certificate, issued by The Independent Order of Foresters. If you are not an insured under a life or health insurance certificate, or an annuitant under an annuity certificate, issued by The Independent Order of Foresters, or are not a social fraternal member, then you are not a member. Foresters member benefits are noncontractual, subject to benefit specific Eligibility requirements, Definitions and limitations and may be changed or cancelled without notice.
4 Foresters Go is provided by The Independent Order of Foresters and is operated by dacadoo AG
5 Foresters Lifelong Learning Program is powered by The Training Company Inc. The program is available to eligible members only.