Monday, August 13, 2012

Diabetes Reduction Study Applauded By Long Term Care Insurance Director

Individuals with diabetes who increase their level of exercise and physical activity can lower their risk of premature death according to a study released by German researchers. “We applaud the study because Americans are already experiencing a health crisis and the problem is only going to get worse,” shares Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance, a national trade organization that studies health and medical trends that impact the needs of older Americans.

“People incorrectly assume that everyone can purchase long term care insurance, but that is just not true,” Slome shared with consumers this week. “Diabetes is one of the conditions that will prevent you from health qualifying with most insurance companies clearly because it is a leading reason people will need costly long-term care.”

The German study involved over 5,500 individuals with diabetes. Scientists reported that those individuals who maintained moderate levels of physical activity had the lowest risk of death. A second study cited by Slome found that weight training without any aerobic activity can help prevent Type 2 diabetes. The study of 32,000 men drew the conclusion that by increasing muscle mass and improving insulin sensitivity, the study participants benefited.

Approximately 20 percent of those individuals who apply for long term care insurance are declined for health reasons according to Association study. “The percentage of declined applicants increases for older applicants,” Slome notes. “We advise individuals to look into their long term care planning options prior to reaching age 65 when they qualify for Medicare.”

According to the study’s group of participating men those who engaged in aerobic exercise for up to one hour weekly reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes by seven percent. Between one hour and 150 minutes of aerobics reduced risk by 31 percent, and those who performed at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise reduced their risk by 52 percent. “We need to encourage much more awareness of what it takes to live a long and healthy life,” Slome concluded, “and then how to plan for living into your 90s and beyond.”