Buying life insurance can be a real challenge for people diagnosed with diabetes. Not only does the disease lead to many other long-term complications, it has a significant mortality rate. That puts those with diabetes into a high-risk classification with most insurance carriers. If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, here are some things you need to know before you apply for life insurance.

What Are They Looking For?

When you apply for life insurance, underwriters will review your medical history and evaluate your diabetes as well as any other conditions that you may have developed as a result of the disease. If you have been diagnosed for many years and have had prolonged control of your condition, you'll have less to prove in terms of management than a newly diagnosed diabetic who has had a poor track record with diet and exercise.

You'll have to show steady, consistent control over your blood sugar numbers. This is usually evaluated via a logbook, insulin pump history or something similar. It is essential for the insurance company to understand how well your condition is managed. You can also show this control via testing your A1C, which is essentially an assessment of your average blood sugar levels over the last few months.

Metabolic testing is also important. The results of liver, kidney and cholesterol tests will also be weighed heavily. Diabetes causes damage to all of these organs and can cause high cholesterol as well.

What Should You Do Before Applying?

Spend some time gaining better control over your blood sugar numbers before you apply. The better your numbers, the better your chances of getting a policy. Eat properly and make sure you're taking your medication as prescribed.

Make a point to exercise on a regular basis too. This is beneficial to help combat the cardiovascular risks that diabetes can cause. You can work with a fitness specialist, a personal trainer, and even a nutritionist if need be to make sure that you're doing things right. The better your general health, the easier the underwriting process will go.

Don't assume that a diabetes diagnosis automatically disqualifies you from getting life insurance. Chronic diseases like this can be managed well enough to qualify. If you're not sure about your current situation, talk with a local insurance agent today to see what he or she can do for you. There may be a variety of policy options, which can make it easier for you to find the right fit for your medical history. To find out more, speak with someone like United Counties Insurance Group.