Can you get health insurance if you have prediabetes?

Posted on: Feb 16, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Can you get health insurance if you have prediabetes?

Experts say that prediabetes is a precursor to diabetes, and rightfully so. Prediabetes is a medical condition in which the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. However, it is a crucial stage as it indicates an elevated risk of developing diabetes in the future. A fasting blood sugar level below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is considered normal, while levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) are considered prediabetic. If the level is 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, doctors diagnose the patient with diabetes.

Prediabetes is a crucial turning point in your overall health graph. If you don’t take proper care, it can lead to type 2 diabetes. But, with corrective lifestyle measures and self-discipline, you can bring your sugar levels back to normal. Usually, prediabetes doesn’t show any noticeable symptoms, and many people who have the condition are unaware of it until it is too late. As per a recent study in 2021, there were 101 million people in India with diabetes and 136 million with prediabetes. The numbers are pretty alarming. The prevalence of such a condition also indicates the need for health insurance or a customised diabetes insurance to safeguard one financially during hospitalisation due to its severity. While diabetes is defined as a pre-existing condition, prediabetes isn’t.

But will high blood sugar levels make it difficult to get health insurance?

With diabetes, getting health insurance can be difficult; however, that isn’t the case with prediabetes. You can get a health insurance plan with prediabetes. If your condition develops into diabetes, it is essential to inform your insurer. Diabetes is considered a pre-existing condition, and letting your insurer know will help to determine the waiting period and allow you to claim hospitalization related to diabetes once the waiting period is over.

Should you worry about your prediabetes?

Well, yes. Prediabetes is a serious health condition that warrants attention. Here are reasons why you should be concerned about prediabetes:

1. Risk of Progressing to Diabetes

It is essential to understand that prediabetes can lead to full-blown diabetes if left untreated. This progression can sometimes reach a critical stage where medication and insulin become necessary for management. If you develop diabetes and need monitoring to stay in control of your sugar levels, it is advisable to get a diabetes insurance to cover costs of hospitalisation and medical expenses in case you get admitted due to complications of the condition. You can also check HDFC ERGO’s Energy Diabetes Insurance Policy to customise your plan.

2. Risk of Developing Heart Disease

Prediabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. It can also have adverse effects on your overall health, even before diabetes develops.

Affects Overall Health: High sugar levels due to prediabetes may cause fatigue, increased thirst, and other subtle symptoms. If left untreated for a prolonged period, prediabetes can affect various organs, damaging vital organs like the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels over time.

What can be done to reduce the impact of prediabetes on your overall health?

The great news about prediabetes is that it can be managed and even reversed with the right lifestyle changes. This means that you can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and get your blood sugar levels back to normal (a fasting blood sugar level of less than 100 mg/dL). Healthy choices like adopting a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly lower the risk of developing diabetes. By controlling prediabetes, you can also reduce healthcare costs and maintenance in the long run.

Take Home Message

It is essential to understand that not everyone with prediabetes will develop diabetes, and making lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals, monitoring blood sugar levels, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are crucial components of managing prediabetes and reducing the risk of complications. However, it is also recommended to have a comprehensive health insurance plan to ensure that you are financially protected in case of hospitalisation due to any illness or accident. Having prediabetes doesn’t pose any challenge for you in getting health insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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