Rx124.doc

Diabetes Mellitus Classification

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of disorders characterized by hyperglycemia (that is, high
blood sugar). Factors that contribute to hyperglycemia include reduced insulin secretion,
decreased blood sugar (glucose) usage by the body, or increased glucose production.
Chronic hyperglycemia adversely affects the body. In the vascular system, there can be
cardiovascular disease such as strokes and heart attacks. There can also be renal disease,
peripheral neuropathy, and blindness. In the United States, DM is a leading cause of end
stage kidney disease, leg amputations, and blindness.
The two broad categories of DM are type 1 and type 2. Blood sugar enters cells via the
action of insulin, which is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. Type 1
DM is due to beta cell destruction so that no insulin is produced and must be replaced by
insulin injections. Type 2 DM is a group of disorders characterized by 1) variable degrees of
resistance to the action of insulin, 2) impaired insulin secretion by the beta cells, or 3)
impaired glucose production.
Older terminology for diabetes is obsolete: insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and
noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). While type 1 (IDDM) must be treated with
insulin, type 2 may also require insulin in the later stages. Also, age is no longer used as a
distinction. While most type 1 DM develops before age 30, it occasionally occurs at later
ages. Conversely, type 2 DM usually develops over the age of 30, but its incidence is
increasing in children and adolescents, especially those who are obese.
The classification of the diabetes mellitus guides treatment and affects long term prognosis.
Type 1 is treated with insulin. Type 2 is initially treated with diet and exercise. If decreased
calorie intake and increased exercise does not result in blood glucose control, oral
medication is added. Some oral medications include: sulfonylureas (Diabinese, Tolinase,
Diabeta), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (Precose, Glyset), thiazolidinedione (Avandia, Actos),
metformin (Glucophage), and repaglinide (Prandin).
Diabetes is a progressive disease which can be slowed by meticulous control of blood sugar. Diabetes control is monitored by testing glycohemoglobin in the blood. The American Diabetes Association considers normal glycohemoglobin as a value of < 6. Values of 7 to 9 are acceptable control and > 9 is poor control. Rating for diabetes mellitus depends on 1) years since diagnosis, 2) control of the diabetes, and 3) presence of complications. Ratings increase with years present, poor control, or complications. See prior Rx for Success issue on diabetes mellitus Part 1 (Rx #12), Part 2 (Rx #13), Older Age Diabetes (Rx #65). To get an idea of how a client with a history of diabetes would be viewed in the underwriting process, please feel free to use the attached Ask “Rx” pert underwriter for an informal quote. For Internal Use Only. Not For Use With The Public.
This material is intended for insurance informational purposes only and is not personal medical advice for clients.
The Prudential Insurance Company of America 751 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3777 RX124.DOC IFS-A077298, Ed. 03/04 Exp. 09/05 Diabetes Mellitus Classification - Ask "Rx" pert underwriter
(ask our experts)
Producer ________________________ Phone _______________ FAX _____________ Client __________________________ Age/DOB _____________ Sex _____________ If your client has diabetes, please answer the following: • Please list date when first diagnosed: ___________________________________________ How often does your client visit their physician? ___________________________________ q diet alone q oral medication _______________________ (medication & doses) q insulin ______________________________ (amount of units/day) Is your client on any other medications? q yes, please give details _________________________________________________ q no Please give the most recent blood sugar reading _________________________________ Does your client monitor their own blood sugar? __________________________________ If available, please give the most recent glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) or fructosamine level _________________________________________________________________________ Please check if your client has had any of the following: Has your client smoked cigarettes in the last 12 months? Does your client have any other major health problems (ex: cancer, etc.)? q yes, please give details _________________________________________________ q no After reading the Rx for Success on Diabetes Mellitus Classification, please feel free to use this Ask “Rx” pert underwriter for an informal quote. For Internal Use Only. Not For Use With The Public.
This material is intended for insurance informational purposes only and is not personal medical advice for clients.
The Prudential Insurance Company of America 751 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3777 RX124.DOC IFS-A077298, Ed. 03/04 Exp. 09/05

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