Is your current lifestyle taking you closer to Diabetes?

What if we told you that most of the claims raised in health insurance policies are associated with treatments for diabetes? Yes, you read that right. According to the International diabetes organization, India has 77 million diabetic patients between the age of 20 and 79. That number is estimated to increase to 101 million by 2030. 

That’s an alarming number, especially for a country with one of the highest youth populations in the world. The exploding rate of diabetes can be traced back to dietary changes, longer working hours, increased stress, and a decrease in physical activity. All that is having a direct impact on health insurance claims as well. 

What is Diabetes and What are its Impacts? 

In simple terms, diabetes is a condition where the body’s ability to produce insulin is impaired. Insulin is the hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels. So, patients with diabetes often have elevated sugar levels. 

Like most diseases and ailments, diabetes leads to several complications in the body. Diabetic patients are more prone to infection, but are also at a greater risk of stroke, loss of consciousness, cataract, kidney dysfunction, heart conditions and even neurological damage.  

At a young age, such symptoms lead to an increase in fatigue. Research has also found a worrying increase in Type-2 diabetes amongst millennials, which is normally seen in the elderly. This also has long term impacts. Once a person becomes diabetic, it is often a lifelong battle to regulate sugar levels, requiring regular check-ups and monitoring.  

There is also evidence to suggest diabetic patients are more prone to dying from COVID-19. It is thus fundamental that we learn to combat this disease early on. Since diabetes is genetic, combating it requires proactive efforts. 

Impact on Health insurance policy  

A diabetic patient incurs various additional costs associated with treatments such as regular tests, medicines, insulin shots, and a customized diet. Treatments costs are jumping up due to excessive demand, and the increase in diabetic patients has led to a rise in claims.   

This is why it is important for millennials to opt for a group health insurance policy. Such a policy allows them to request multiple claims, especially when diabetes-related complications arise. It is also wise to opt for plans with a higher sum insured, thus covering any such treatments. 

Prevention is Better Than Cure  

While it is good to have the right insurance, it is even better to avoid visiting the doctor. Today, there is a rising demand for preventive measures. This helps people avoid such diseases early on. Such measures focus on wellness and awareness, keeping in mind their existing lifestyle.  

We at Onsurity are focused on preventing such lifestyle diseases. We are able to help by partnering with health insurances companies to provide a health policy that works for you. Our application also links to your phone’s health app (Google Health/Apple Health), to track your footsteps. The more you move, the fitter you get. As an added bonus, we also reward you with points that can be used to buy medicines at discounted rates.  

Here are a few more preventative measures you can take to avoid being burdened with diabetes- 

• Look out for the hidden sugars in the label while purchasing groceries. 
• Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages as they contain caloric sweeteners.  
• Don’t go hungry!  
• Consume at least three servings of veggies and organic fresh fruits daily. 

• Choose healthy snacks such as walnuts, almonds, and unsweetened yogurt.  
• Quit smoking and limit the alcohol intake. 
• If you love your meat, choose white meat and seafood over processed meat. 
• Exercise regularly for 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes.   

Here at Onsurity, we believe prevention is better than cure. Why spend money, time, and effort fighting something when you can prevent it altogether?