 SSDRC What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? How do you Win Benefits under Social Security Disability or SSI? If I am determined disabled, how far back will Social Security pay benefits? How do you prove your disability case if you have a mental condition? What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Winning Disability Benefits Common Mistakes after Receiving a Denial of Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits How to File for Disability - Tips for Filing If You Get Approved For SSDI Will You Also Get Medicare? How much does a Social Security disability attorney get paid? Social Security Disability SSI Criteria and the Evaluation Process How long does it take to be approved for SSI or Social Security disability? What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability Benefits? Social Security Disability SSI and Fibromyalgia Social Security Disability SSI and Degenerative Disc Disease Can I Qualify For Disability and Receive Benefits based on Depression? Answers to questions about SSD and SSI disability What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits? Social Security Disability Status Social Security Disability Tips — how a claim gets worked on Social Security Disability, SSI Disability - Terms, Definitions, Concepts |
Diabetes, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits Diabetes, clinically named diabetes mellitus, is a disease that happens when the cells within the pancreas, known as the beta cells, aren’t able to produce adequate insulin. This causes hyperglycemia, high levels of glucose in the blood. The most common symptoms are blurred vision, lethargy, extreme thirst, excessive urine production and in type 1, unexplained weight loss. There are three different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 and type 2 are chronic conditions. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that results in the permanent destruction of the pancreas beta cells. This type of diabetes accounts for the majority of childhood cases and can be fatal if not treated with insulin injections or an insulin pump, along with close monitoring of blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be genetic and usually triggered by an environmental factor, such as an infection. If type 1 diabetes is not treated and managed properly it can result in coma or death. Treatment for type 1 diabetes is a lifelong affair. Type 2 diabetes is due to insulin resistance, which means that insulin is present, but the cells do not respond correctly to it. It can also be due to reduced insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin secretion. This happens when the beta cells cannot meet the demand of insulin the body requires. Most often regular exercise and a healthy diet can manage this type of diabetes, though insulin tablets, injections and tablets can be a part of management, depending upon the body’s needs. Type 2 diabetes must also be monitored and treated or many complications can ensue. Gestational diabetes is very similar to type 2 diabetes, though it is only developed during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes did not have diabetes before becoming pregnant and this type of diabetes usually resolves after delivery. It occurs in about 5 percent or less of all pregnancies. It is treatable and must be watched carefully throughout pregnancy or damage can happen to mother and unborn child. Around 20 to 50 percent of all women who experience gestational diabetes during pregnancy develop type 2 diabetes eventually. Both type 1 and 2 can be due to genetics, though it is most likely in type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is also linked to obesity, poor eating habits and lack of exercise, which is why it can usually be managed with weight loss, exercise and a healthy diet. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, but type 2 has been cured by gastric bypass surgery for some patients. This cure is reserved for morbidly overweight patients and is due to the surgery processes and not simply the weight loss. 
Return to: SSDRC, or the Questions, Answers, Tips, and Advice page Individual Questions and Answers SSD and SSI are Federal Programs The title II Social Security Disability and title 16 SSI Disability programs operate under federal guidelines and, therefore, the program requirements--medical and non-medical--apply to all states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Recent approval and denial statistics for various states can be viewed here: Social Security Disability, SSI Approval and Denial Statistics by state Special Section: Tips and Advice for Social Security Disability and SSI Claims |