Best Health Insurance for Diabetics

Diabetes is a life-long condition that requires ongoing professional medical care and carries a significantly higher risk of complications such as heart disease, vision loss, diabetic neuropathy, stroke, and more. As a result, medical costs can be quite high.

This can seem daunting at first, but with the right health insurance cover, you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and provide adequate preventive care to ensure you remain healthy.

If you are a newly diagnosed diabetes patient, are interested in a new insurance provider, or are simply transitioning to an independent plan, this guide will help you choose the best health insurance cover for diabetes care.

What should you do before choosing a health insurance plan?

  • Review your medical history

Diabetes InsuranceBefore changing your health insurance cover, consult your doctor to get an in-depth overview of your medical history. Write down your current medications and correct dosages along with any DME (durable medical equipment) that you need, durable medical equipment is any diabetes-related equipment designed to improve quality of life.

For people with diabetes, this may include insulin pumps and associated supplies, continuous glucose monitors, and blood glucose meters.

  • Make a list of your health care team

This list includes everyone involved in helping you manage your diabetes as well as your annual appointment schedule for each member. This typically includes specialists such as cardiologists, nutritionists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists, and others.

t’s also important to write down the phone number and address of your preferred lab center, pharmacy, and hospital. These details will help you find the best right cover for your specific needs and situation.

Choosing between a traditional health care plan and a high deductible health plan

Health insurance plans typically require policyholders to pay their monthly premiums as well as a specified amount of deductibles. Deductibles include the total amount paid to doctors, pharmacies, labs, or equipment holders’ needs that are covered by insurance.

Yearly deductibles differ between insurance companies and health care plans but once that amount is met, holders only need to pay the co-insurance or co-pay charge during transactions. Co-insurance and co-pay charges are usually significantly lower compared to the deductible.

An HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) is an insurance plan that has a higher deductible and lower monthly premiums. While this is a good option for diabetes patients who rarely see their doctors, diabetes patients should avoid High Deductible Health Plans in most instances.

This is primarily because the cost of prescriptions, DME, doctor visits and other items are usually quite high, and paying larger deductibles can make it even more difficult to afford everything you need to manage your condition and stay healthy. Therefore, if you’re unable to buy diabetes supplies on your own, a High Deductible Health Plan might not be the best option for you.

Traditional health insurance covers tend to have higher monthly payments and lower deductibles. Monthly payments are consistent and the deductible is paid off slowly. This makes it easier to afford and budget for diabetes management.

Factors to consider when choosing health insurance for people with diabetes

The health insurance cover you choose can have a huge impact on your lifestyle. Therefore, you should take time to ask questions, do research and compare different insurance policies. This will help you choose something that works for your situation, rather than a plan that makes your life even more difficult.

So what should you consider when choosing health insurance?

     1. Costs associated with the diabetes insurance plan

Cost is one of the most factors in choosing an insurance plan that works for you. You want to ensure that the plan is affordable while still providing you with the necessary coverage for a healthy life. Consider the monthly premiums as well as any out-of-pocket expenses such as co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance payments.

     2. What is included in the coverage and benefits?

Be sure to understand everything included in your plan’s coverage and benefits. You don’t want to discover that glucose meters are not covered or you need to buy insulin pumps out-of-pocket after you’ve already signed up and committed your money to the plan.

Find out whether the plan covers specifics such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), lancet devices, glucose control solutions, glucose test strips, patch pumps, insulin pumps, glucose meters or monitors, blood tests, lab tests, diabetes-related medications, A1C tests and more.

Ask your diabetes care team for a comprehensive list of what you do in order to make an informed decision about your new insurance plan.

     3. Does the plan cover specific treatments and services related to diabetes?

Managing diabetes means patients rely on a variety of prescriptions, diagnostic testing, and medical health devices to stay healthy. Therefore, it is extremely important to ask about coverage and benefits for diabetes-related services, specialists, preventive care, and counseling, as well as the limitations for each. You can work with your current doctor to digest the information and determine what should be included in your insurance cover.

     4. Are your current doctors and other professionals in-network?

If you want to switch plans, you may find out that some of the specialists you’ve been working with are no longer in-network. Some insurers do not provide for out-of-network specialists while in other instances, you may have to pay more to continue seeing your current doctor. Check to see if the professions you are currently working with are in-network before switching to a new health insurance plan.

     5. Specific services that you can benefit from

There are some types of health insurance covers that offer specific services and benefits to diabetes patients. Some plans may include insulin as a preventive medication, which can reduce your monthly out-of-pocket costs. Ask potential providers whether their plans offer any unique or special aspects.

The bottom-line

While both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are considered pre-existing conditions, health insurance providers will not deny you coverage for it. The Affordable Health Care act requires the healthcare marketplace to provide better and easier access to affordable healthcare plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.

There’s a wide variety of health insurance plans for people with diabetes that can help you properly manage your diabetes and stay healthy, regardless of your situation.

Read more about Travel Insurance for Diabetics HERE!

Diabetes Insurance

Continue ReadingBest Health Insurance for Diabetics

Travel Insurance Guide for Diabetics

Do you have diabetes and are planning to travel? Finding a comprehensive and affordable travel insurance plan specially designed to cover diabetes can be less straightforward if you don’t know what to look for and where to look.

This guide explains where you can find the best travel insurance plans for diabetics as well as what to look for and traveling tips for people with diabetes.

What do you need to know while traveling with diabetes?

Travel Insurance for diabeticsProviders that specialize in medical cover are renowned for offering the best insurance cover for diabetics. When you want to buy travel insurance, providers usually want to know whether you have any medical conditions, including pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Insurers will ask whether you are taking insulin or other medications and whether you suffer from diabetes-related conditions such as high blood pressure.

While it’s not mandatory for people with diabetes to take out specialized travel insurance, having a specially tailored travel insurance plan for diabetes could prove invaluable if something goes wrong. It assures you that you will be covered for any medical emergencies as well as other diabetes-related expenses while you are traveling.

What will my provider ask during medical screening?

When you want to take out travel insurance that covers diabetes, your provider may ask several questions regarding your health. These may include:

  1. Are you taking medication for diabetes?
  2. How many medical emergencies did you have in the last 2-3 years?
  3. Do you have any diabetes-related conditions or complications such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure?

f you are not honest about your health condition, you risk invalidating your claims. Therefore, it is important to declare your diabetes as well as other diabetes-related conditions, even if they are controlled.

Is travel insurance for diabetics more expensive?

Travel insurance premiums vary based on various factors. You may have to undergo a brief medical screening when getting your insurance quote. This gives your provider a clear picture of how your conditions can be best managed.

Some conditions, including diabetes, may have a considerable impact on premiums. Other factors that impact premiums include age, other medical conditions, places you’ll travel to and for how long.

If you don’t have travel insurance cover, medical expenses abroad can be much higher, especially if you need emergency medical treatment.

What does diabetes travel insurance cover?

Specialist comprehensive travel insurance for people with diabetes should cover emergency medical treatment as well as other diabetes-related costs such as repatriation (getting back home due to a medical emergency). The policy should also cover other issues with your travel plans, such as cancellations when you need to cut your holiday short.

Travel insurance for diabetics policies may also cover other areas where standard policies wouldn’t, such as the replacement of insulin, in the event that it’s lost or stolen while traveling.

What should you pack for your trip if you have diabetes?

In addition to taking out travel insurance cover for diabetics, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes require a little more detailed planning, especially when it comes to packing. Some of the items you should take in your hand luggage include:

  • Long and short-acting insulin
  • An insulin pump or pen for insulin delivery
  • Insulin storage wallet
  • Spare needles and pen
  • Blood glucose meter
  • Spare test/disposal kit
  • Spare batteries
  • Medical alert identification
  • Testing strips to last the entire trip
  • Emergency number
  • Emergency kit
  • Insulin travel case
  • Diabetes prescriptions
  • Healthy snacks in case of delays
  • Letter from your doctor (may prove to be invaluable during security checks)

Should your holiday company know about your diabetes?

In addition to declaring your condition to your travel insurance provider, it is also crucial to notify your holiday, so they know what to do in case of emergencies while you are away. Wearing a medical identification bracelet while traveling may also prove to be invaluable in the event that you are unable to communicate or express yourself to the people around you.

Finding a comprehensive and affordable travel insurance plan specially designed to cover diabetes can be less straightforward if you don’t know what to look for and where to look.

Diabetic Travel case

How can you keep the cost of your travel insurance for diabetes down?

Travel Insurance for diabetics

Travel insurance price quotes may vary between insurers, so it is recommended that you shop around as you compare what different providers are offering. Keep in mind that cheap doesn’t necessarily mean better value. Some budget insurance plans may not provide the coverage you need.

It is extremely important to consider other factors such as claim limits, excess amounts, as well as elements covered side-by-side.

Although diabetes should not be a reason not to travel, it makes it even more critical to have the right travel insurance policy when you do.

Travel Insurance Diabetes Type 2

Continue ReadingTravel Insurance Guide for Diabetics

Symptoms of Diabetes in Toddlers

Diabetes in toddlers is a serious condition that occurs when their pancreas is not producing enough insulin. Insulin is a very important hormone in the transportation and absorption of glucose in an infant’s body.

This in turn leads to excess glucose and sugar levels in the toddler’s body. Signs of diabetes in babies are hard to pinpoint because it’s hard for toddlers to let their parents know that something is wrong. Therefore, as a parent, you should be on the lookout for various signs that may indicate that your baby has diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in Toddlerssymptoms of childhood diabetes

  • Fatigue When a child is suffering from diabetes, sugar in their bloodstream is not being converted to energy. Therefore, the baby remains constantly tired or fatigued.
  • Increased urination. This occurs because the child’s body needs to get rid of excess glucose and sugar through urine. You will notice that your baby may be urinating more than usual or even started wetting the bed again for older babies.
  • Excessive thirst. The body tissues of a child suffering from undiagnosed diabetes lose a lot of fluid. This leads to the baby having excessive thirst. Some may crave sweet, cold drinks.
  • Weight loss. A child with undiagnosed diabetes may experience sudden and rapid weight loss. This is because the body can’t use energy from sugar thus experiencing muscle and fat loss.
  • Increased appetite. A diabetic child’s body is deprived of energy because of the low insulin. This registers in the brain as starvation so the undiagnosed child experiences the feeling of extreme hunger so he/she tends to eat excessively.
  • Eyesight problems. An undiagnosed child may experience blurred vision. High blood sugar level causes fluids to be pulled from body tissues such as eye lenses. This will cause eyesight problems though a toddler may not know this because they still don’t know what normal is.
  • Yeast infections. This may show up as a very bad diaper rash, especially in girls.
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis. This is the buildup of ketones which are acidic by-products. It happens when the body starts to burn fat for energy because the child’s body can’t break down glucose due to low insulin.

Diabetes care for babies and toddlersOther advanced signs and symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes to look out for may include vomiting, stomach pains, fast breathing, rapid heart rate, low body temperature flushed face, and loss of consciousness.

Symptoms of diabetes in children

It’s also essential for parents to check for fruity breath odor. Undiagnosed diabetes in a child can also make them irritable or even exhibit quick mood changes.

If you notice some of these symptoms in your child you should consult a doctor immediately. This is because the sooner it is diagnosed the earlier the treatment will start thus increasing the chances of your baby living a normal, healthy life.

Read more about Juvenile diabetes HERE!

What is a Normal Blood Sugar Level for a Toddler?

Diabetes in Toddlers Warning SignsRandom blood sugar test. This is the main screening test to check whether your toddler has diabetes Type 1. A sample of blood is taken at a random time in the day, not taking into account the last time they ate. A random blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), or higher suggests diabetes.

diabetes in toddlers warning signsGlycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. The A1C test gives an indication of your toddler’s average blood sugar level over the past few months. This test specifically measures the blood sugar percentage attached to the oxygen-carrying protein in the red blood cells. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

symptoms of diabetes in babies infantsFasting blood sugar test. Your child will fast overnight prior to this blood sample being taken. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher indicates type 1 diabetes.

Have you ever thought about how a Diabetes Chat room could help you?

Diabetes in Toddlers

Continue ReadingSymptoms of Diabetes in Toddlers

How to Treat Hypoglycemia in Dogs

How Do You Take Care Of A Diabetic Dog?

Our furry friends are family, and whenever one of our family members falls ill we want to ensure they get the best care and love possible. Research shows that dogs that are in their middle age or are overweight are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. The risk can also be higher among particular breeds as well as female dogs. Although there’s no cure for diabetes, the good news is that the condition can be effectively managed in pets and humans alike. Providing the right care for your diabetic dog can help them live a comfortable and long life.

How does diabetes in dogs occur?

Diabetes in dogs occurs when their bodies fail to produce insulin, a hormone that allows cells to use glucose for energy. Thanks to synthetic insulin, we can now manage the symptoms and common complications of diabetes.

Tips for taking care of your diabetic dog

     1. Consult your veterinarian regularly

Diabetes is a complicated condition that can be hard to manage especially without the expertise and knowledge of a certified veterinarian. Therefore, maintaining a good relationship with your veterinarian is the first step toward ensuring that your pet’s condition is well managed.

This makes it easier for pet parents to establish and maintain open communication with their pet’s doctor. That way, if you have any concerns or questions you’ll not hesitate to ask them and seek their expert guidance throughout your dog’s treatment. This should be someone who has the best welfare of your pet at heart.

     2.  Adhere to the treatment plan

If not well managed, diabetes in dogs can easily progress and lead to other severe complications, such as cataracts, vision loss or even death. Therefore, if your furry friend has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is imperative to ensure that you have the right treatment to avoid diabetes-related complications.

The most common treatment diabetic dogs undergo is insulin injections. This can be administered once or twice per day, depending on treatment goals and the severity of the condition. Your vet could also prescribe supplements for your diabetic dog. It is also vital that you track and monitor your pet’s sugar levels on a daily basis. Be sure to notify your vet if you notice any irregularities in blood sugar levels as this could necessitate adjustments in your dog’s treatment plan to accommodate changes in their health needs.

     3.  Serve a healthy diet to your dog

The Nature of Animal Healing: The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat

Hypoglycemia in DogsThe dietary and health needs of diabetic dogs are different from those of healthy pets. Your diabetic dog needs healthier meals with lower sugar and fat content.

Diabetes in Dogs

Therefore, it’s best to avoid sweet treats at this point. Generally, there is a wide variety of healthy dog food that you can get for your diabetic pet. Commercial diabetic dog food can also be a good option, as long as you pay keen attention to the ingredients. Always read the label and look for food that is high in fiber content and low in unhealthy fats and carbs.

Here are key pointers to keep in mind when feeding a diabetic dog:

  • Always serve the same amount of diabetic dog food at 12-hour intervals (twice a day).
  • Avoid overfeeding your furry friend.
  • Incorporate vegetables into your dog’s diet.
  • Avoid giving them table scraps.
  • Eliminate sweet treats and unhealthy snacks in between meals. Go for healthy diabetic dog treats.
  • Feed your diabetic dog separately from other healthy dogs to avoid overfeeding.

Start introducing vegetables gradually, just as you would with a child. Even if your diabetic dog will initially reject them, don’t give up, eventually, they’ll get used to them.

Some of the best veggies for diabetic dogs include cauliflower, string beans, cucumber slices, and broccoli.

     4.  Walk your diabetic dog

Diabetic pets need regular exercise, too. You can start with basic exercises such as walking your dog daily. Do this in the evening or early in the morning. Avoid walking your diabetic dog under the heat of the sun. Walking your dog for at least 30 minutes a day is good enough and it benefits you as well!

However, if walking your dog every day isn’t doable in the area you live in, there are various indoor exercises that your dog can do. Most importantly, ensure that your dog gets at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

     5.  Avoid stressful situations

Best food for diabetic dogJust like humans, it is essential to ensure that your furry friends avoid stressful situations. Stress goes into your pet’s mind and behavior. Stressed dogs may refuse to exercise and some could even refuse their medication or meals, which will have detrimental effects on their overall health. For diabetic dogs, stress is like adding salt to injury.

Diabetic dogs need an environment with as much love and care as possible. Avoid placing your dogs in stressful situations whenever possible. Although blood testing and insulin injections can be stressful, they are an essential part of your pet’s diabetes care plan. However, you can still try to keep them as calm and relaxed as possible during these procedures.

     6.  Diabetes management is a family affair

Caring for a diabetic dog requires everyone in your household to be on the same page. Your dog will respond better to treatment when they follow the treatment plan and routine that is recommended by your vet.

This is particularly important when it comes to meal portions and prohibitions. Therefore, everyone including your guests should be aware of this. You don’t want guests in your home feeding your diabetic dog scraps and other unhealthy treats. While this isn’t always a bad thing when done occasionally, it can cause sudden spikes which could prove to be hard to control.

Signs of canine diabetes

The earliest signs and symptoms of diabetes in dogs are usually noticed by the pet parent. Therefore, it is important for pet parents to know the most common signs of canine diabetes in order to better spot them and manage the condition when in its early stages. Increased urination and excessive thirst are the most noticeable signs of diabetes in dogs.

Other common symptoms of canine diabetes include:

  • Sudden weight loss
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased appetite

Preventing canine diabetes

Preventing diabetes in dogs is not as complicated. Just like humans, it often has to do with lifestyle. Serve your dogs healthy meals and be sure to give them good exercise regularly.

The bottom-line

Although diabetes doesn’t have a cure yet, the life expectancy of diabetic dogs that are properly regulated with diet and insulin is similar to healthy dogs. Adhering to the treatment regimen and maintaining good communication with your vet go a long way toward keeping your dog healthy and happy.

Read about the best canine diabetic diet HERE!

Caring for a diabetic dog

Continue ReadingHow to Treat Hypoglycemia in Dogs

Pediatric Diabetes – Caring for a Diabetic Child

In pediatric diabetes, beta cells (special pancreatic cells that make insulin) are destroyed. Insulin is needed in the body to help cells absorb blood glucose for energy. Therefore, without insulin, blood sugar levels rise and can lead to serious health complications.

If you are caring for a diabetic child or teen, it is vital to ensure they are following treatment in order to keep blood glucose levels within the target healthy range. On the other hand, your child’s healthcare team will provide treatment using a diabetes care plan specially tailored for them.

Doctors and researchers are working on a diabetes cure. However, until a cure is found, following a diabetes treatment plan is the only key to a healthy, long life.

Pediatric Diabetes Care Plan

A pediatric diabetes care plan outlines the instructions you, your child, and your caregivers should follow. The plan is designed to help maintain your child’s blood glucose levels within the healthy range.

Parts of a pediatric diabetes care plan.

A diabetes care plan has four main parts:

  1. Checking pediatric blood glucose levels
  2. Administering insulin
  3. Getting physical activity on a regular basis
  4. Eating a balanced, healthy diet while keeping track of carbohydrate intake

Your child’s health care team helps teach you, your child, and your caregivers how the plan works and how you can adhere to it. Although you may have to learn a lot in the beginning, soon enough you’ll master the ins and outs.

What really happens in childhood diabetes?

     1. Monitoring pediatric blood glucose levels

One of the most important aspects of managing pediatric diabetes is checking blood glucose daily or as recommended. This can be done in two main ways:

     2. Using a CGM (continuous glucose monitor)

A continuous glucose monitor is a wearable device designed to take blood sugar level measurements every few minutes throughout the day. It features a tread-like sensor that is secured in place just under your child’s skin. Most sensors need to be replaced every ten days. The device provides blood glucose readings so often, allowing you and your child’s healthcare teamwork more effectively to keep blood sugar within a healthy range.

  • Using a blood glucose meter

In most cases, it is recommended that children with type 1 diabetes check their blood sugar levels at bedtime and just before meals. This is 3 times a day, but in some cases, it could be necessary to do it more often. Your child’s personalized diabetes care plan will guide you on how often blood sugar measurements should be checked and what should be done if the blood sugar is too low or too high.

Your child’s diabetes management team uses the blood sugar level trend to adjust the insulin plan over time.

Moreover, the team also uses a hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c test (glycosylated hemoglobin test) to monitor your kid’s blood sugar. The results represent the average blood glucose levels in the 2 or 3 months prior to the test. The HbA1c test helps determine how well your child’s diabetes care plan is working.

It is recommended that diabetics keep the A1c at 7% or below to lower the chances of complications.

     3.  Taking insulin

All diabetic kids and teens need to take insulin to ensure that blood glucose is absorbed by their cells and used for energy. Your child’s healthcare team will create an insulin schedule customized for your child’s specific condition.

 How can children get insulin?

  • With an insulin pump

An insulin pump continuously administers insulin through a tiny tube secured just under the child’s skin.

  • By injection

In most cases, children need 4 or more insulin injections daily. The needle is tiny and the shorts are not very uncomfortable or painful. The diabetes management team will guide you on how you can help your kid cope with insulin injections.

The team will also teach you, your child, and your caregivers how to use the insulin pump or do injections.

Healthy diet

Pediatric Hypoglycemia TreatmentDiabetic kids need the right balance of insulin, exercise, and food to maintain their blood sugar levels within the target range. Therefore, it is essential to understand the effects of different foods on your kid’s blood sugar.

The healthcare team will guide you on healthy eating for your child and how to count carbohydrates in snacks and meals. Knowing the number of carbohydrates your child drinks and eats helps you figure out the amount of insulin they require. Moreover, it gives your kid the flexibility to eat and drink as much and as often as they like.

Just like anyone else, your diabetic kids’ diet should include food items that are high in nutrients and low in calories and fat, such as:

  • Whole grains
  • Fruits
  • Lean protein
  • Vegetables

Your child’s diabetes management team will help you create a custom meal plan that takes your child’s health goals and food preferences into consideration and incorporate occasional treats.

Regular physical activity

Kids need exercise in order to feel good, strengthen their bones and muscle, and keep their blood sugar levels under control. Studies show that regular physical activity helps insulin work more effectively. You can motivate your child to engage in physical activity by exercising with them.

It is essential to keep in mind that physical activity can affect your child’s blood sugar for several hours after exercising, or even overnight. Therefore, you should monitor your child’s blood sugar levels more keenly whenever they begin a new activity in order to understand how their body reacts to the new activity. This will help you determine whether it’s necessary to adjust their insulin doses or meal plan to compensate for the change in activity levels.

The bottom-line

Your child’s healthcare provider will occasionally check your kid’s blood pressure, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, growth, liver function, kidney function, and any other signs of trouble. Sometimes, despite the best efforts problems may arise.

Some complications of pediatric diabetes need to be addressed immediately or they could easily become serious or life-threatening, including hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)

As you care for a diabetic child, the care team and detailed care plan will help guide you. Following your child’s diabetes health care plan and keeping in touch with your child’s healthcare team is the key to keeping your child healthy.

pediatric hypoglycemia treatment

Continue ReadingPediatric Diabetes – Caring for a Diabetic Child