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    • 12 hours, 11 minutes ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      How often does diabetes disrupt your sleep?
      Lows wake me up. The CGM alarm system kicks in if my body doesn’t. I will shut the alarm system off after I’ve treated the low because gastroparesis slows absorption and that alarm can continue needlessly for another hour until the is sufficiently corrected.
    • 12 hours, 11 minutes ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      How often does diabetes disrupt your sleep?
      Diabetes doesn't necessarily interrupt my sleep per se. Its always the darn dexcom G7 losing signal at random waking me up.
    • 12 hours, 12 minutes ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      How often does diabetes disrupt your sleep?
      Occasionally from lows - the biggest disruption is the every 3 day reminder to change my pump that goes off at 2am
    • 17 hours, 38 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How often does diabetes disrupt your sleep?
      Lows wake me up. The CGM alarm system kicks in if my body doesn’t. I will shut the alarm system off after I’ve treated the low because gastroparesis slows absorption and that alarm can continue needlessly for another hour until the is sufficiently corrected.
    • 17 hours, 43 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How often does diabetes disrupt your sleep?
      Occasionally from lows - the biggest disruption is the every 3 day reminder to change my pump that goes off at 2am
    • 17 hours, 43 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How often does diabetes disrupt your sleep?
      Almost every night, my sleep is interrupted, at least 9 times out of 10 nights. My BG drops and the T:slim pumps insulin on the down slide until I get to 70 before it stops. It is, in my opinion, a flaw in the algorithm. I don't understand why the algorithm can see the continuous drop in BG. I have numerous screen captures of this situation. I have gotten into the habit of checking my BG right at bed time. Even taking some carbs at bedtime doesn't prohibit lows at night. It is literally exhausting.
    • 19 hours, 48 minutes ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      How often does diabetes disrupt your sleep?
      Diabetes doesn't necessarily interrupt my sleep per se. Its always the darn dexcom G7 losing signal at random waking me up.
    • 20 hours, 30 minutes ago
      D-connect likes your comment at
      How often does diabetes disrupt your sleep?
      Almost every night, my sleep is interrupted, at least 9 times out of 10 nights. My BG drops and the T:slim pumps insulin on the down slide until I get to 70 before it stops. It is, in my opinion, a flaw in the algorithm. I don't understand why the algorithm can see the continuous drop in BG. I have numerous screen captures of this situation. I have gotten into the habit of checking my BG right at bed time. Even taking some carbs at bedtime doesn't prohibit lows at night. It is literally exhausting.
    • 21 hours, 43 minutes ago
      atr likes your comment at
      How often does diabetes disrupt your sleep?
      Almost every night, my sleep is interrupted, at least 9 times out of 10 nights. My BG drops and the T:slim pumps insulin on the down slide until I get to 70 before it stops. It is, in my opinion, a flaw in the algorithm. I don't understand why the algorithm can see the continuous drop in BG. I have numerous screen captures of this situation. I have gotten into the habit of checking my BG right at bed time. Even taking some carbs at bedtime doesn't prohibit lows at night. It is literally exhausting.
    • 1 day, 16 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Since starting on a CGM, has your healthcare provider’s frequency of ordering A1C testing changed?
      T1D comes with more than its fair share of dystopian grace notes. However, the indefatigable frequency of A1c testing seems to go on forever. I started with the Medtronic CGM dubbed "The Harpoon" in 2006. Tests and frequencies have not changed an inch in 20 years. (¬////¬)
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
      Natalie Daley likes your comment at
      Since starting on a CGM, has your healthcare provider’s frequency of ordering A1C testing changed?
      T1D comes with more than its fair share of dystopian grace notes. However, the indefatigable frequency of A1c testing seems to go on forever. I started with the Medtronic CGM dubbed "The Harpoon" in 2006. Tests and frequencies have not changed an inch in 20 years. (¬////¬)
    • 1 day, 22 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you use your CGM data to help make adjustments in your diabetes management plan?
      Often? Try Always! I only see my doc 1x a year to legally fill Rx. Otherwise I manage 100% on my own and make all my own dosing adjustments.
    • 1 day, 22 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you use your CGM data to help make adjustments in your diabetes management plan?
      My pump and I use the data to make adjustments at every meal, and even during the day, e.g. corrections. But I also use the data to track longer term trends and usage so that I can make adjustments to my pump regimen, bolus rates, correction rates, basal rates etc.
    • 2 days, 17 hours ago
      Amanda Barras likes your comment at
      Do you use your CGM data to help make adjustments in your diabetes management plan?
      My pump and I use the data to make adjustments at every meal, and even during the day, e.g. corrections. But I also use the data to track longer term trends and usage so that I can make adjustments to my pump regimen, bolus rates, correction rates, basal rates etc.
    • 2 days, 20 hours ago
      kristina blake likes your comment at
      Do you use your CGM data to help make adjustments in your diabetes management plan?
      As noted by Lawrence, isn’t that what CGM’s are for? I’m on MDI’s and a SmartPen. Data is what determines my doses.
    • 2 days, 21 hours ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      Do you use your CGM data to help make adjustments in your diabetes management plan?
      My pump and I use the data to make adjustments at every meal, and even during the day, e.g. corrections. But I also use the data to track longer term trends and usage so that I can make adjustments to my pump regimen, bolus rates, correction rates, basal rates etc.
    • 2 days, 22 hours ago
      Mike S likes your comment at
      Do you use your CGM data to help make adjustments in your diabetes management plan?
      This is one of those times when I want to ask T1DExchange “what is the motivation behind this question”? What are you trying to learn from it?
    • 2 days, 22 hours ago
      Mike S likes your comment at
      Do you use your CGM data to help make adjustments in your diabetes management plan?
      As noted by Lawrence, isn’t that what CGM’s are for? I’m on MDI’s and a SmartPen. Data is what determines my doses.
    • 3 days, 9 hours ago
      Bekki Weston likes your comment at
      If you use a CGM, is it accurate on day 1?
      It takes a few hours to get close.
    • 3 days, 9 hours ago
      Bekki Weston likes your comment at
      When I have a temporary signal loss with my CGM, it’s usually when I’m:
      Usually when it's about to expire.
    • 3 days, 17 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      How often do you adjust a planned physical activity because of how your glucose is trending?
      If I am above 150mg/dl don't need to carb up. If I am around 100mg/dl I definitely need to carb up. Aren't we always evaluating where we are and anticipating where we might land. That is part of active management.
    • 3 days, 21 hours ago
      Phyllis Biederman likes your comment at
      When I have a temporary signal loss with my CGM, it’s usually when I’m:
      For me it's compression lows - and that's it. I see that most complaints are about connection to phones. I don't (won't) use my phone. I have to have a work phone with me at least 60 hours a week, and I'm not interested in carrying (or wearing) two phones. I rarely lose connection between my Tandem X2 pump and the sensor/transmitter. Sometimes I will walk away while it's charging and take myself out of range, but that's on me.
    • 3 days, 22 hours ago
      Derek West likes your comment at
      What is the best spot for CGM accuracy
      Dexcom is ok with other locations if approved by your doctor.
    • 3 days, 22 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      When I have a temporary signal loss with my CGM, it’s usually when I’m:
      1 and 2 days before its about to expire. It goes out of range several times those days. They should prescribe a 10 day CGM for every 8 days because on average, that is the use it seems we get.. and if you call to report it, you lose an hour on the phone!
    • 3 days, 22 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      When I have a temporary signal loss with my CGM, it’s usually when I’m:
      It's a G7...one feature they added to the new version was random signal loss.
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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?
    Previous

    Has a stranger ever approached you to talk about your visible diabetes device(s)?

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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
      4 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
      4 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
      4 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
      4 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
      4 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
      4 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
      4 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
      4 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
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Jerome McClellan

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

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

        Same here!

        1
        4 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
      4 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
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. karolinamalecki7@gmail.com

      I got life insurance before being diagnosed with type 1

      4 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
      4 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
      4 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.

      4 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.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Carol Meares

      I have LADA and had life insurance prior to getting T1D

      1
      4 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.

      4 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!

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. AnitaS

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

        2
        4 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!

        4 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.

      4 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
      4 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.

      4 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
      4 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.

      4 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.

      4 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.

      4 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.

      4 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???

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

        I hope you outlive your need to use life insurance.

        4 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
      4 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.

      4 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.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. KarenM6

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

      1
      4 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.

      4 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.

      4 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

      4 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
      4 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
      4 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.

      4 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”!

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    40. Missy Kirchem

      Was denied long term care insurance

      4 years ago Log in to Reply

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

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