Diabetes Insipidus Life Insurance

If you’ve been diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus (DI), you may be wondering if it will impact your ability to secure Life Insurance. We’ve put together some information on DI, along with how it may impact Life Insurance applications.

What is Diabetes Insipidus?

Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is a rare condition that affects the body’s ability to balance fluid and salt levels, resulting in excessive thirst and the production of large volumes of highly diluted urine.

It is critical to note that Diabetes Insipidus is NOT the same as Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2, or “sugar diabetes”). While both conditions share the symptoms of extreme thirst and frequent urination, the causes are fundamentally different:

• Diabetes Mellitus involves high blood sugar (glucose) levels.
• Diabetes Insipidus involves a problem with a key hormone called Arginine Vasopressin (AVP), also known as Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), which regulates water retention in the kidneys.

Symptoms

The two main and most noticeable symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus are excessive thirst and excessive urination.

Extreme Thirst

An intense, often uncontrollable need to drink fluids, with a preference for ice water.

Excessive Urination (Polyuria)

Passing large amounts of clear urine frequently both during the day and at night. In extreme cases, adults can pass up to 19 liters of urine per day.

Life Insurance with Diabetes Insipidus

Securing Life Insurance when you have a pre-existing medical condition like Diabetes Insipidus can sometimes feel complicated. However, it is important to know that suitable and affordable coverage is largely available.

Life Insurance companies will primarily focus on:

• The Type of DI: Central DI (AVP Deficiency) which is well-controlled with medication (Desmopressin) is generally viewed more favorably than Nephrogenic DI (AVP Resistance) which can sometimes be more difficult to manage or may be caused by an underlying, more serious condition.
• Control and Stability: How well-controlled your symptoms (thirst and urination) are, and the stability of your blood sodium levels, often confirmed by recent test results.
• The Underlying Cause: DI caused by a head injury or surgery is often treated as a past event, whereas DI resulting from a brain tumour or chronic kidney disease would be underwritten based on the severity and prognosis of the underlying condition.

How Your Life Protected Can Help

As a specialist Life Insurance brokerage in the UK, we are dedicated to helping individuals with conditions like Diabetes Insipidus find the most suitable and affordable policies.

• Expert Knowledge: We understand that DI is often a treatable and manageable condition separate from Diabetes Mellitus. We ensure this distinction is accurately communicated to insurers, which can significantly impact your premium.
• Access to Multiple Insurers: We work with a wide panel of UK insurers, allowing us to compare quotes and find providers who will offer the best rates based on your situation.
• Tailored Application: We will guide you through the application process to ensure all relevant medical details, including your type of DI, medication, and latest blood test results, are presented clearly to secure the best possible decision.

Taking the Next Step

If you have Diabetes Insipidus and are considering life insurance, speak to one of our advisers and let us find the best available options.