November is Diabetes Awareness month and we’re spreading awareness to support the 3.7 million Canadians living with diabetes—and many more living with prediabetes—to help find a cure.
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Life insurance and diabetes
We know that living with diabetes can be tough, but did you know that people with diabetes can still qualify for life insurance? Canada Protection Plan, a Foresters Financial™ company, has many products that can help people who might be considered hard to insure.
Here is some information about diabetes and how Canadians are helping themselves successfully manage this once daunting disease.
A history of diabetes treatment
Canadians Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin in 19211 and changed diabetes treatment forever. In January 1922, Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old with diabetes, received the world’s first insulin shot which saved his life! Banting and Best later won the Nobel prize in Medicine and insulin production accelerated across North America and the globe.
Types of diabetes
There are three types of diabetes (type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes). While there’s no cure for diabetes, research and modern treatment has given people a better chance of living a long life with less worry.
People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes need to take insulin regularly, but you can also help yourself by living a healthy lifestyle.
How to manage diabetes
A healthy lifestyle can help you manage diabetes by controlling your blood sugar levels. The good news is that these are all things that you can do at home, work or wherever you are.
Exercise at least three times a week
Regular exercise reduces cholesterol, improves your blood pressure, lowers stress and anxiety and boosts your mood. Consistent activity can also help your body use insulin more efficiently.2
Adjust your diet
Quit smoking
Smoking hinders insulin regulation and quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing diabetes significantly.4 Not sure you can do it? Ask your doctor for help and the tools to succeed.
Why is preventing diabetes important?
Knowing how to prevent diabetes, or minimize its impact, can help people avoid the various complications, including:5
- Nerve damage
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Poor circulation
- Eye disease
How can you help during Diabetes Awareness Month?
Whether you’re focusing on your own health or looking for information to help family or friends, you can find ways to help during Diabetes Awareness Month.
World Diabetes Day
Get involved in World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2024. This United Nations World Health Day unites the diabetes community and beyond and gives you the chance to spread awareness. Wear blue, share your experiences and post to social media using #EndDiabetes to show your support!
Volunteer and fundraise with Diabetes Canada
Diabetes Canada has many exciting opportunities to volunteer this year. Check out all the programs and events across Canada, including Lace Up to End Diabetes.
Leave a legacy
You can name Diabetes Canada as a beneficiary in your will or life insurance policy and contribute to finding a cure even after you’re gone.
Life insurance, diabetes and you
With the right life insurance plan, a person with diabetes can still help secure their family’s future. Our No Medical6 life insurance has a straightforward application process with affordable rates to suit your needs and protect your loved ones financially.
You may even be able to get No Medical Critical Illness Insurance7 A Critical Illness insurance policy provides a lump-sum payment that can help cover the various costs associated with living with diabetes. Since out-of-pocket expenses can exceed $18,000 per year8 for people with type 1 diabete, coverage can help provide a financial safety net for people living with diabetes and their families.
Canada Protection Plan is here to help you find peace of mind and help to secure financial futures, even if you have diabetes. Get a no-obligation quote or speak to an advisor today to find out more.
Sources
1 https://diabetes.org/blog/history-wonderful-thing-we-call-insulin
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963
3 https://www.diabetes.ca/diabetescanadawebsite/media/managing-my-diabetes/tools%20and%20resources/just-the-basics.pdf?ext=.pdf
4 https://www.diabetes.ca/DiabetesCanadaWebsite/media/Managing-My-Diabetes/Tools%20and%20Resources/smoking-and-diabetes.pdf?ext=.pdf
5 https://guidelines.diabetes.ca/GuideLines/media/Docs/Patient%20Resources/diabetes-fact-sheet.pdf
6 Insurability depends on the answers to medical and other application questions and underwriting searches and review.
7 Underwritten by Foresters Life Insurance Company.
8 https://www.diabetes.ca/advocacy—policies/advocacy-reports/diabetes-and-diabetes-related-out-of-pocket-costs
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Foresters Financial and Foresters are trCanadian Protection Plan and Foresters Financial do not provide medical advice. The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and/or before undertaking any new healthcare regimen.
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