According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is becoming more common in the United States. From 1980 through 2002, the number of Americans with diabetes more than doubled (from 5.8 million to 13.3 million). There are 1.3 million people aged 20 years or older newly diagnosed as diabetic each year.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Americans in 2002 was 9.6% in men and 7.6% in women aged 45-64 years, and 16.5% in men and 11.7% in Women aged 75 years. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes varies considerably among ethnic groups, and was 1.5 times greater in Latino Americans and 1.6 times greater in African Americans than in European Americans of the same age (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse). The CDC reported that the incidence of type 2 diabetes or adult-onset diabetes rose significantly in all regions and demographic groups and in nearly all states. Type 1 diabetes accounts for the remaining five to ten percent of cases and is resulted from malfunction of the immune system. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of the cases and can be caused by inactivity or weight gain.

Experts blame the rising weight of Americans on the nation's television and computer habits; inactivity and overeating especially high-calorie foods. Studies also show that the risk of diabetes increases by four percent for every pound of excess weight. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has skyrocketed in the past 20 years. In part it is due to the high carbohydrate and high sugar intake commonly found in the modern day diet.

The web site for the American Diabetes Association contains a page labeled: Life Insurance Information for People with Diabetes (http://www.diabetes.org/advocacy-and-legalresources/healthcare/lifeinsurance.jsp).  The following is copied directly from this page:

Once a person is diagnosed with diabetes, life insurance policies sold within the United States can become unaffordable or unavailable. This is because life insurance policies are allowed by state and federal law to "rate" or charge a premium based upon an applicant's health status. In addition, a plan can choose to not provide a policy based upon an applicant's health status. Even so, it is possible for many people with diabetes to find affordable life insurance policies within the United States. You just have to know where to look. Certain life insurance companies, or carriers, specialize in selling policies to people with chronic health conditions like diabetes. To find the best life insurance policy for you, please consider the following: A major factor in the cost of life insurance policies for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is how well they manage their diabetes. If you have a lower A1C, good blood glucose control, lead a healthy lifestyle, and do not have complications from diabetes, chances are your rate will be more reasonable too. Find an insurance agent that is experienced in obtaining policies for individuals with "impaired risk" – they will know what carriers may offer you a policy and which one(s) may not. Apply for a policy with a life insurance carrier that uses "clinical underwriting"- a process that looks at your total health, not just what health conditions you may have. Shop around on the internet, by phone, or through referrals from family and friends. Becoming your own advocate will help you to find a life insurance policy that best fits your needs. Never take no for an answer! Just because one company rates or declines your application does not mean that another company will not look at you more favorably.

Did you catch that? The person with diabetes who is visiting this web site will be referred to the Clinical Underwriting Company!  This year there will be at least 1.3 million new diabetics, many of whom represent Clinical Underwriting prospects. Spread the news!