Experts are warning that the UK is currently experiencing an explosion of diabetes linked to growing obesity rates.

Alarming figures just released show that the number of new cases diagnosed has climbed by over 145,000 per annum. The UK now has an estimated 2.6 million sufferers of the condition and as levels of clinical obesity soar, this looks set to continue well into the future. Diabetes can be a life-threatening condition and is linked to heart disease, strokes, kidney failure and blindness amongst others. Yet whilst diabetes can cause serious health problems, you can reduce financial difficulties when applying for life insurance.

The key to buying affordable life insurance if you have diabetes is to ensure you control the condition. Life insurance providers look at this very closely when deciding the risk you represent to them and therefore the premium they will charge you. If you can demonstrate that you are controlling your diabetes by visiting your doctor regularly, taking your medication and responding well to your treatments, you may still be able to get a good rate on life insurance.

Ninety to ninety-five per cent of cases diagnosed are accounted for by Type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes can respond well to positive changes in diet and exercise and the correct medication. Nowadays, life insurance providers no longer automatically group all sufferers of a certain illness or condition – diabetes for example – together. Anyone with diabetes who applies for life insurance or critical illness cover will not be accepted straight away and will certainly have their case referred to underwriting.

However this is simply so that the life insurance provider can gather more information on your particular case and look at how well controlled it is. As an applicant the best strategy is to show a history of proactive and effective treatment, including yearly eye exams, and that your other risk factors — such as weight and blood pressure — are in normal ranges.