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    • 2 hours, 2 minutes ago
      Steve Rumble likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 4 hours, 50 minutes ago
      Donna Owens likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      Yes. It’s f*ing annoying.
    • 15 hours, 33 minutes ago
      Amy Schneider likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 16 hours, 59 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      I want a thumbs down icon!
    • 16 hours, 59 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      I seldom have any questions other than RX refill request which I submit through the patient portal. If I do have treatment questions, I typically do my own research, and if not satisfied with what I find out, I submit a question in the portal.
    • 17 hours ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      When I come up with a question between visits, I usually just do some research.
    • 19 hours, 12 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 19 hours, 13 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Sorry. Of course I store unopened in frig. Opened in my room as I use it up in 30 days
    • 19 hours, 14 minutes ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      No, I keep it in the oven! ;) Same answer as the last time they asked this ridiculous question!
    • 19 hours, 56 minutes ago
      Becky Hertz likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Unopened yes, and now even opened just in case. I am getting a new health [lan (thank goodness a much better one - with better doctors and hospitals in network!) so it's worth it. But I can't get any appt - even for a PCP until September. I've been occasionally buying out of pocket insulin, pump and CGM supplies (in my mind, hoarding is a character asset for T1D people). I need to have my enough stuff to see me through, Of course, I am hoping there''s an appt cancellation.
    • 21 hours, 19 minutes ago
      Bruce Schnitzler likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Unopened yes, and now even opened just in case. I am getting a new health [lan (thank goodness a much better one - with better doctors and hospitals in network!) so it's worth it. But I can't get any appt - even for a PCP until September. I've been occasionally buying out of pocket insulin, pump and CGM supplies (in my mind, hoarding is a character asset for T1D people). I need to have my enough stuff to see me through, Of course, I am hoping there''s an appt cancellation.
    • 23 hours, 16 minutes ago
      alex likes your comment at
      Here’s What You Need to Know About the Dexcom G7
      This article explains the Dexcom G7 features in a clear and easy way, especially for people new to continuous glucose monitoring. Very informative and helpful. Sportzfy TV Download
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Have you ever been told you couldn’t physically do something because you live with diabetes?
      Long time ago - told there were certain occupations I would not be allowed to do because if T1D. Pilot, air traffic controller, military, etc.
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I have been told many times "YOU CAN'T EAT THAT!" ONLY to frustrate them and eat it anyway and then bolus accordingly.
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I think it is a common experience for most people with T1D. People do not understand anything about it. I do not take it personally. I try to educate when appropriate.
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      Lol hell when haven't they. Lol
    • 1 day, 16 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was only 2 when Diagnosed 70 years ago. My small town doctor admitted he didn't know much about T1D, and fortune for my parents and I he called what is now Joslin Clinic, and they told him how much insulin to give me. He taught my parents, who then traveled over 350 miles to Boston, to learn about how to manage T1D. My doctor learned more about T1D, and was able to help 2 other young men, that were later DX with T1D in our small town. I went to Joslin until I turned 18 and returned to become a Joslin Medalist and participated in the research study, 20 years ago. Still go there for some care.
    • 1 day, 16 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was 7 when things changed in my home. My older brother was hospitalized for 2 weeks. When he came home, we no longer ate the way we had before. This was 1956. Dessert alternated between sugarless pudding or sugarless Jello. I learned that bread and potatoes had carbohydrates and that turned to sugar. There was a jar in the bathroom. It seemed my brother was testing his urine every time he went in there. There was a burner and pot on the stove designated for boiling syringes. I watched my brother give himself shots and I remember how hard it was to find someone to manage his care if my parents had to travel. Diabetic Forecast magazine came in the mail each month and there were meetings of the local diabetes association that my mother attended religiously. My brother got a kidney and pancreas transplant at age 60 and before he died lived for 5 years as a non-diabetic. A few years later I was diagnosed. Sorry he was not able to make use of today’s technology. I often wonder what he and my late parents would think about me, at age 66, being the only one in the family with type 1.
    • 1 day, 20 hours ago
      kilupx likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      My brother was type 1 since an early age. I was only diagnosed in my late 40s
    • 1 day, 22 hours ago
      Phyllis Biederman likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Absolutely nothing. Diagnosed in late December 1962 at at the age of 8 years and was told I was going for a stay in hospital because I have "sugar diabetes".
    • 1 day, 23 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I was diagnosed in 1976 at the age of 18 while in college. One weekend, I was drinking a lot of water and peeing frequently. I remembered having read a Reader's Digest article on diabetes, and I told my friends I thought I might have it. Two days later, the diagnosis was confirmed.
    • 1 day, 23 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      Absolutely nothing. Diagnosed in late December 1962 at at the age of 8 years and was told I was going for a stay in hospital because I have "sugar diabetes".
    • 1 day, 23 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I knew I couldn’t or shouldn’t have my two fav things in the world: Pepsi cola and chocolate. I was 42, and suspected very strongly that I had it, and ate a large piece of chocolate cake before my doctor’s appointment (sounds more like I was 12). Fast forward 25 years later: I never had a real cola again, but do occasionally have chocolate. I’m way healthier than I was back then in terms of diet. I no longer have irritable bowel, and I’m lucky to be able to afford what I need to combat the ill effects of this chronic disease. I’m blessed, and grateful for insulin.
    • 2 days ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      It was 35 years ago for me. I had no experience with T1d. I was starting to show symptoms and my sister-in-law quickly researched T1d and told me what she found. I went to my GP a week or two later. My BG was over 600. He sent me to the hospital right away. Blood test confirmed it.
    • 2 days ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How much did you know about type 1 diabetes before you were diagnosed?
      I only knew a little . That is why I give grace to others who do not know anything or have misconceptions.
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    Have you had any issues obtaining life insurance because of T1D?

    Home > LC Polls > Have you had any issues obtaining life insurance because of T1D?
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    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard has worked in the diabetes research field ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Marketing Manager at T1D Exchange.

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    45 Comments

    1. Karen Newe

      I lucked out. Got life insurance just 6 months before diagnoses at 51 yo.

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Donna Condi

      I purchased my life insurance before coming down with diabetes however, I tried getting long term care insurance and was turned down flat!

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Melissa Yuruckso

      They would only insure me till I’m 78. My non diabetic husband is insured for a longer life!

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Karen Taylor

      Many many years ago. After that I’ve had life insurance up until I retired through work. No longer have life insurance

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. GLORIA MILLER

      I had life insurance before retiring. Any time I tried to get my own life insurance I was turned down due to the diabetes.

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. kilupx

      I got LADA 7 years ago. About 12 years ago my husband and I tried to buy life insurance policies. We had to get physical exams. He was rejected because of minor health issues so we got a much bigger policy for me. Five years later I never reported my T1D diagnosis to the insurance broker (a friend) because we are afraid the policy would be cancelled.

      4
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Lynn Smith

      I only had life insurance once outside of employment and I believe I paid a higher premium due to my diabetes.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Brian Vodehnal

      Not trouble but I didn’t know my life insurance is higher than my wife’s.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Sherolyn Newell

      I already had both life insurance and long term care. It hadn’t occurred to me that I should tell them I’m diabetic now.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Jerome McClellan

      No, other than paying 3X what my nonT1D wife pays.

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Dave Akers

        Same here!

        1
        3 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Tb-well

      I can get it, but it is cost prohibitive for any coverage over about 300,000.00, since my premiums triple with the physical

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Keira Thurheimer

        Once I found a company willing yo insure me,, the cost was so prohibitive that I couldn’t afford the policy. I have life insurance through work, so hope that will be enough.

        1
        3 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. karolinamalecki7@gmail.com

      I got life insurance before being diagnosed with type 1

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Kristine O'Brien

      I wasn’t able to get life insurance outside of work in my 40s, having been diabetic for >30 years.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Dave Akers

      This was a major pain but necessary for the time being. Took me a long time to find someone. To cover me. When I did, the cost was OUTRAGEOUSLY EXPENSIVE!!! compared to my wife w/o T1; I received about 2/3 coverage than she, but it cost me 3x the premium! This was absolutely absurd!!!!

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. George Lovelace

      Set it up in a Profit Sharing Plan I managed at my work. Low coverage at a reasonable Premium for a 36 year old.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Edward Geary

      Routinely denied since diagnosis in 1974. Companies gradually came around but rates and limitations were prohibitive. Relied largely on employee sponsored group life which rose exponentially after retirement. I think there are good risk models in Canada which, for years, has had progressive public policy relative to diabetes coverage, treatment and discrimination.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Carol Meares

      I have LADA and had life insurance prior to getting T1D

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Becky Hertz

      When gotten through an employer, no. I haven’t tried individually because I know the costs are, or have been, prohibitive.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Teri Morris

      I couldn’t get insurance for my home that I paid Royal Homes to build because I am diabetic. If it burns down I will have nowhere to live and no money!

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. AnitaS

        That is unbelievable. What does diabetes have to do with your house burning down?

        2
        3 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. KarenM6

        Jiminy Christmas, Teri! I’m so sorry… that seems like a very discriminatory policy… and not a logic I can follow. I’m so sorry!

        3 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Janis Senungetuk

      When I was 23 yrs old, after the birth of our daughter, I was told I was uninsurable because of T1D.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. Ahh Life

      Somewhere there is a camel trying to get through the eye of a needle in order to get to heaven. Ha! Her task is trivial compared to the many eyes of many needles (metaphor, not steel) that T1 diabetics must navigate every single day and every single hour.

      Insurance is another one of those eyes. And it’s tiny and expensive. Companies and corporations know the actuarial math and cost numbers perfectly. All we dollar-bill paying customers know is that our wallets are several pounds lighter when we are done dealing them. Can’t the US of A do better than this? ( ͡❛ ⏏ ͡❛)

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Bruce Schnitzler

      I was only able to obtain life insurance in 1978 through an employer’s plan. I have maintained the policy after retirement in 2013.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Bob Durstenfeld

      I could never buy life insurance on the open market, it was always refused. My work around was to roll over corporate life insurance when I left a job. This allowed me to eventually purchase whole life and term policies. From this lesson learned, when each of my children were born, I bought them single premium whole life policies. This paid off for my oldest, he was Dxed at 8 months old with T1D.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. lis be

      I’ve never even thought to try, i just assumed they wouldn’t give it to me.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. AnitaS

      I don’t honestly remember if I had life insurance while I worked, but I don’t believe so. After retirement, I didn’t get life insurance because I am single and have no children.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. AnitaS

      With new technology which makes it possible for diabetics to live a longer, healthier life than a non-diabetic, it seems wrong to deny insurance.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Lawrence S.

      I applied years ago, 1970’s or 1980’s. Was given a much higher rate, so I did not purchase the plan. Was able to get insurance through my employer at a good rate. I don’t carry any live insurance now that I’m retired.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. Mark Schweim

      The ONLY way I’ve been able to get any life insurance since my T1D diagnosis has been through my employers, but their life insurance is only valid as long as I remain employed by that employer so it’s basically a gamble of “Take the company offered life insurance and hope I die before quitting or losing my job, or go without life insurance and hope for employment elsewhere with life insurance benefits sometime before I die.

      But then again, since I’m still single, if I die without life insurance, who besides the State or Federal Government would be covering my funeral expenses since I am the ONLY person with any financial responsibility towards any of my expenses???

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Lawrence S.

        I hope you outlive your need to use life insurance.

        3 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Derek West

      My premium was maybe 10% higher on a mortgage protection policy. I also relied on employer policies which cost nothing to me. Since I now am retired and have no dependents I no longer need it.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. Kristine Warmecke

      My parent’s had bought life insurance for me, before my diagnose. I had the option, at certain times, to increase it which I did without any questions asked.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. Molly Jones

      I chose other. My husband purchased both of us life insurance policies through his workplace. Mine is less than ten percent of his but requires no medical information.
      If I was not married and desired life insurance, I don’t think it would be possible with the list of medical conditions I have along with T1D.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. KarenM6

      When I’ve tried to get life insurance, I just get turned down flat.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    33. Liz Avery

      I have not tried to get life insurance, however term life through my employer was available without medical review. I carried a term policy almost always prior to retirement.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    34. Britni

      My employers have offered it as a benefit, no medical review needed. I’ve never tried to purchase it on my own.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    35. Janice B

      I was denied insurance at the small company that I work for. Luckily even though my husband ids on disability we kept up his carpenters card and insurance so I was able to get on that plan

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    36. PamK

      I have been able to get Life Insurance through each employer I’ve worked for, but only the basic plan. I have tried to get more coverage from a couple of different employers and was turned down due to having diabetes. I’ve also looked into getting more at other employers, but they always ask that I answer “a few” health questions and I know they will decline me the additional coverage if I do so. So, I don’t bother anymore.

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    37. Cheryl Seibert

      T1D for 56 years. Even at 30 yrs T1D, so companies will sell me insurance on a private policy. I obtained convertable policies through my employer optional benefits. That way I can take them with me if I change jobs. The fact that insurance companies still see diabetes as a disease worse than cancer is absolutely ridiculous.

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    38. Maurine Bowser

      I had maybe one 12 month waiting period but after that I could always get it but at bookoo bucks. Highest $1900/mo with huge deductible. On Medicare now but supplemental premiums rise every year.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    39. mbulzomi@optonline.net

      I had no problems over 35 years ago when I started working for the Federal Government, I did ask around for a supplemental plan and was told “No Joy”!

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    40. Missy Kirchem

      Was denied long term care insurance

      3 years ago Log in to Reply

    Have you had any issues obtaining life insurance because of T1D? Cancel reply

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