Diabetes and Social Security Benefits

What You Need to Know

DEFINITION

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

Are you seeking representation to receive the Social security benefits you deserve? If so, please contact our Social security lawyers regarding your social security benefits claim today!

TYPES OF DIABETES AND THE SYMPTOMS

There are two major types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type results from the body's failure to produce insulin. Type 2 results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency.

Symptoms of Diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability, and blurry vision. To learn more about Diabetes, see the American Diabetes Association website atwww.diabetes.org/home.jsp.

HOW MANY ARE AFFECTED

There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

If your diabetes is uncontrolled, it can effect your daily living activities and prevent you from working. Social Security will provide benefits for those that meet a criteria for diabetes. For example, if your condition causes any of the following, you may qualify for benefits:

RETINOPATHY: SIGNIFICANT VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

NEUROPATHY: DISORGANIZATION OF THE USE OF HANDS, FINDERS, LEGS OR FEET

ACIDOSIS: INCREASED ACIDITY OF THE BLOOD PLASMA, OCCURRING ONCE EVERY 2 MONTHS AND DOCUMENTED BY BLOOD TESTS

Are you seeking representation to receive the Social security benefits you deserve? If so, please contact our Social security lawyers regarding your social security benefits claim today!