There are a handful of diseases and symptoms that have become highly common in the past few decades. Diabetes is one of them. Diabetes mellitus, as it is called in medical terminology, is a condition wherein the body experiences a high level of blood sugar that further leads to several symptoms.
The theory behind diabetes goes like this - a normal body converts food into glucose and transfers it into the bloodstream with the help of a pancreatic hormone called insulin. This glucose is then used as a source of energy. However, when the body doesn't produce enough insulin the glucose remains in the blood increasing blood sugar levels. This condition is known as diabetes mellitus. Moreover, this condition if untreated can lead to other life-threatening issues like renal failure, etc.
There are two types of diabetes that are commonly found in people:
This is often referred to as Juvenile diabetes because it generally starts off in childhood only. This is a chronic issue that is a result of an autoimmune disorder. Under this condition, the beta cells of the pancreas are mistakenly killed by the body's own antibodies. As a result, the body becomes incapable of producing insulin.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms may become evident suddenly. The symptoms include-
If any of these symptoms are becoming serious, it is vital that the individual must be tested soon to avoid any future problems.
It can be a bit hard to mention the exact reason why Type 1 diabetes occurs. However, genetics has played a major role since the disease is known. Some causes of type 1 diabetes are-
This is often referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes because here the body produces insulin either in an insufficient way or the body is unable to use it. This is the most common type of Diabetes and is a little milder than type 1. Although it is most popular among adults and older people, it can also develop during childhood days. So far there is no cure for this disease but positive changes in the lifestyle can lead to improvement and keep the blood sugar level in control. Regular exercise, weight loss, good food and a positive mind can keep things under control.
The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may not be evident in the initial years which is why some people do not even know about their increased blood sugar level until tested. So, one must keep testing it on a regular basis whether or not there are any symptoms. The several symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are as follows-
Overweight and physical inactivity can be a risk factor and may lead to developing high blood sugar. However, the exact reason remains unknown. Some of the causes include-
The following table in understanding the differences between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 1 Diabetes:
| Particulars | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Situation when the body does not produce insulin due to destruction of islet cells in pancreas | Situation when the body resists using the insulin that is produced |
| Develops During | Childhood (though not necessary) | Adulthood (though not necessary) |
| Causes | Genetics and autoimmune disorder | Low production of insulin by pancreas and genetics |
| Symptoms | Extreme hunger, increased urination, weight loss, bedwetting, blurred eyesight, etc. | Extreme hunger, tingling in legs and hands, slow healing, high rate of infections, blurred eyesight, increased urination, weight loss, etc. |
| Cure | Not-curable | Not-curable |
If you or someone you know is suffering from diabetes, buying a health insurance policy that specifically deals with diabetes, might be a wise choice. Given below are some plans that you can consider:
| Name of the Plan | Highlighting Features |
|---|---|
| Star Health & Allied Diabetes Safe Health Insurance Plan |
Covers hospitalisation for both Type 1 and type 2 Diabetes The policy is available on Individual as well as family floater basis 2 plan variants offer flexibility Covers daycare procedures Provides compensation for Accidental Death |
| Care Freedom Health Insurance Plan |
Sum Insured ranges from INR 3 lakh to INR 10 lakhs Policy covers Annual Health Check-Ups Freedom Health also covers High BP and high BMI The policy allows lifelong renewability No pre-policy screening required Covers daycare procedures |
| HDFC Ergo Energy Plan |
Sum Insured up to INR 2 crores Personal Health Coach to monitor as well as manage your health The policy comes with No waiting Period Reward Bucket Offers you special offers for staying healthy 100% restoration of the sum insured |
| Aditya Birla Activ Health Premium |
Sum Insured up to INR 2 crores Covers pre and post-hospitalisation 100% unlimited reload available Covers modern treatment Staying healthy offers reward points Special mobile app to track your health and your policy |
| TATA AIG Diabetics Health Insurance |
Covers hospitalisation expenses for both Type 1 and type 2 Diabetes Covers pre and post-hospitalisation expenses Covers Day Care procedures You can opt for alternative treatments under AYUSH |
A health insurance policy for diabetes helps you cover the financial burden to a great extent whenever there is a requirement for treatment. Some of the inclusions may differ from company to company, however, the basics include-
These are some of the very common inclusions of a diabetes health insurance policy that most of the insurance companies provide. Know your requirements so you do not overspend on features that you don’t need.
Though every health plan comes with a specific set of exclusions, there are some common situations that are not covered by most Diabetes Health Insurance Plans. Given below is an indicative list of the most common exclusions. Make sure you go through your policy document to find out about the same:
Diabetes is a chronic disease and often not curable though, with simple positive changes in your lifestyle, you can easily keep it under control and live a normal life. Changes in diet and regular physical exercise is a must, especially for overweight people. Apart from this, blood sugar may require treatment for which you can purchase a health insurance policy that is dedicated for people with high blood sugar levels. Coverfox is here to provide you with the much-needed assistance so you can choose the best one for yourself.
Obesity, poor diet and daily routine, virus attack, and genetic traits can cause diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, insulin is not produced leading to the disease while in Type 2 diabetes, the insulin is resisted by the muscle, fat, and liver cells.
Citrus fruits like oranges, blackberries, bitter lemon, pears, etc. are good for people with diabetes. For best results, you should consult your doctor regarding fruit intake.
Yes, there are several companies that offer health insurance policies for diabetic patients. You can choose the best one for yourself.
Some of the top companies offer health insurance for diabetic patients in India. You can also have a look at the above-mentioned table to have a clearer idea. The best one may differ from individual to individual. So, it is vital to assess your requirements to get the best one for yourself.
Some of the very common benefits of a diabetes health insurance policy include pre and post hospitalisation, day-care expenses, organ donor expenses, emergency road ambulance, cashless hospitalisation, etc.
