What Novolog Is

Novolog (insulin aspart) is a rapid-acting insulin used to manage blood sugar in people with diabetes. It’s FDA-approved, well-established, and works by quickly lowering blood glucose after meals. Novolog is typically used by people with type 1 diabetes (where the pancreas cannot produce insulin) and by some people with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar cannot be controlled by oral medications alone. Novolog is a critical medication for many people with diabetes, allowing them to manage daily blood sugar levels and prevent dangerous high blood sugar episodes. However, insulin use does not cure diabetes—it only manages symptoms while you take it.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Insulin-Dependent Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas cannot produce insulin, requiring insulin therapy from diagnosis onward. It typically appears in childhood or young adulthood and is lifelong. Type 1 diabetes users have different underwriting profiles than type 2 users. Type 2 diabetes on insulin indicates either advanced disease or inadequate control on oral medications. Type 2 on insulin is more common in older adults or those with longer disease duration. Insurers distinguish between these two conditions because they have different underlying causes, progression patterns, and health implications. The type of diabetes you have significantly affects underwriting.

Why Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Matters for Insurance

Insulin-dependent diabetes is a serious health condition that insurers must evaluate carefully. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes on insulin carry cardiovascular risks and potential for serious complications. Uncontrolled insulin-dependent diabetes increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, and amputation. Insurers recognize that well-managed insulin-dependent diabetes with stable HbA1c, minimal hypoglycemic episodes, and no complications is manageable. However, they also recognize that poorly controlled diabetes presents real health risks. Insulin use alone doesn’t determine approval—your diabetes control and complications status do. Honest assessment is essential.

Insulin-Dependent Diabetes and Life Insurance: The Bottom Line

Life insurance for Novolog users is available, but expect a more thorough underwriting process and significantly higher premiums than someone without diabetes. Your approval and rates depend on four critical factors:

• Your diabetes type (type 1 typically has better long-term prognosis than type 2 on insulin)
• How well your blood sugar is controlled, measured by HbA1c (ideally below 7%, better under 6.5%)
• Frequency of hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes—frequent severe lows increase underwriting risk
• And whether you have any diabetic complications such as kidney disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, or cardiovascular disease.

Well-controlled insulin-dependent diabetes with minimal hypoglycemic episodes and no complications can receive approval at meaningful but acceptable rates, typically 75-100%+ higher than non-diabetics. Poorly controlled diabetes with frequent lows or complications may face postponement or significant challenges.

What Insurers Request

Life insurance underwriters will request detailed information about your insulin-dependent diabetes. Standard requests include:

• Diabetes type (type 1 or type 2) and date of diagnosis
• Current HbA1c level and HbA1c history for the past 12-24 months
• Current blood glucose readings and monitoring frequency
• All insulin medications, including Novolog and doses
• Frequency and severity of hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes
• Your endocrinologist or primary care physician’s name and contact information
• Any diabetic complications, including kidney disease, neuropathy, eye problems, or cardiovascular issues
• Recent lab work, including kidney function and urine protein
• Any hospitalizations related to diabetes, including DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) or severe hypoglycemia

Insurers typically request authorization to contact your endocrinologist directly for additional information. This is standard practice for insulin-dependent diabetes cases.

Key Evaluation Factors

• HbA1c Level (Very Important): This measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months. Below 7% is generally considered controlled; below 6.5% is excellent. Levels above 8% indicate poor control and increase underwriting risk significantly.
• Hypoglycemic Episodes (Important): Frequent severe low blood sugar episodes increase underwriting risk because they indicate loss of hypoglycemic awareness and are dangerous. Occasional mild lows are expected with insulin use.
• Diabetes Type: Type 1 diabetes diagnosed early with stable long-term control may present better underwriting prospects than type 2 on insulin, which often indicates advanced disease progression.
• Disease Duration: Long-standing diabetes with stable control may be viewed favorably (proven ability to manage). Very new insulin requirement in type 2 may suggest disease progression.
• Complications: Absence of complications (kidney disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease) is strongly favorable. Any complications require additional evaluation and typically result in higher rates.
• Medication Adherence: Evidence of consistent insulin use and regular endocrinologist visits demonstrates responsible management.
• Other Risk Factors: Your age, smoking status, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight all factor into the final rate decision alongside diabetes control.

Medical Testing Requirements

Expect very extensive medical testing. Standard testing includes blood pressure, weight/BMI, blood glucose level, HbA1c confirmation, comprehensive metabolic panel, kidney function tests (creatinine, BUN), urine protein, lipid panel, urinalysis, and EKG (electrocardiogram). Additional specialized testing may include eye exams (dilated retinal exam to screen for diabetic retinopathy), kidney ultrasound, or cardiovascular screening, depending on disease duration and age. These tests help insurers verify diabetes control and assess for undiagnosed complications. Results directly influence underwriting decisions and rate assignments.

Required Information to Disclose

You are required by law to disclose all material health information. This means you must report:

• Your diabetes type (type 1 or type 2) and date of diagnosis
• Current HbA1c level
• All insulin medications including Novolog and doses
• Your endocrinologist or primary care physician’s name and contact information
• Frequency of hypoglycemic episodes and whether you have severe lows
• Any diabetic complications, including kidney disease, neuropathy, eye problems, or cardiovascular disease
• Any hospitalizations related to diabetes
• All other health conditions anda  complete medication list

Do not omit or minimize any information. Failing to disclose insulin-dependent diabetes or misrepresenting your control could result in immediate denial, policy rescission, or denial of claims later. Complete honesty is both legally required and in your best interest.

Getting Your Medical Records Ready

Before applying, request your comprehensive medical records from your endocrinologist. Include:

• Last 12-24 months of HbA1c results
• Recent blood glucose monitoring logs if available
• Current insulin regimen with doses and type
• Lab work showing kidney function and urine protein
• Documentation of hypoglycemic episodes and severity
• Any complications screening (eye exams, kidney ultrasounds, etc.)
• Records of all hospitalizations or emergency visits related to diabetes
• Documentation of medication adherence and regular medical visits

Having organized, complete records speeds up underwriting significantly. Incomplete or disorganized applications delay decisions. Applicants with clear documentation of controlled blood sugar often receive faster approvals.

Best-Case Scenario: Well-Controlled Type 1 Diabetes

If you have type 1 diabetes for many years, your HbA1c is consistently below 7% (ideally below 6.5%), you have only occasional mild hypoglycemic episodes with no severe lows requiring emergency help, you see your endocrinologist regularly, and you have no complications, you’re positioned for approval at better rates. Expected outcome: Approval at meaningfully elevated rates, typically 75-100% above non-diabetic applicants. Underwriting timeline: 4-6 weeks. This represents the best case for insulin-dependent underwriting—long-standing, well-controlled type 1 with no complications.

Moderate-Risk Scenario: Type 2 on Insulin or Adequate Control with Concerns

If you have type 2 diabetes, have recently started on insulin, or if your HbA1c is 7-8%, you experience occasional moderate hypoglycemic episodes (but no severe lows), or you have minor diabetic complications (mild kidney impairment or neuropathy without progression), insurers will likely still approve coverage. However, rates will be significantly higher—typically 100-150% above standard rates. Some insurers may require additional monitoring or specific improvements. Expected outcome: Approval likely but not certain; rates substantially elevated if approved. Underwriting timeline: 5-8 weeks with possible additional information requests or specialist consultation.

High-Risk Scenario: Poor Control or Significant Complications

If your HbA1c is consistently above 8%, you experience frequent severe hypoglycemic episodes requiring emergency care or hospitalization, you have significant diabetic complications (kidney disease, severe neuropathy, diabetic eye disease, cardiovascular disease), or you have a history of DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), approval is unlikely. Many insurers will postpone (typically 6-12 months) and require you to demonstrate significantly better control before reconsidering. Some may decline coverage outright. If approved, rates would be extremely high (150%+) or potentially uninsurable at standard carriers. Expected outcome: Postponement or denial is likely. Better strategy: Work on achieving better diabetes control, reducing hypoglycemic episodes, and stabilizing or improving any complications, then potentially reapply.

Before You Apply: Optimize Your Diabetes Control

Before submitting an application, take 2-3 months to improve your diabetes management. Work closely with your endocrinologist to optimize your Novolog dosing and any other insulin or medications. If your HbA1c is above 7%, implement strategies to lower it. Reduce hypoglycemic episodes through better monitoring and carbohydrate counting. Establish a pattern of consistent insulin adherence and regular medical visits—this demonstrates commitment to managing your condition. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Control blood pressure and cholesterol if elevated. Ensure recent comprehensive complication screening (eye exams, kidney testing). Having recent documentation showing good control and minimal complications strengthens your application substantially. Apply when your diabetes is in the best possible state of control.

During Your Application: Complete Honesty and Organization

When applying, provide complete, accurate information about your diabetes. Clearly state your diabetes type (type 1 or type 2). Be honest about your HbA1c, hypoglycemic episodes, and any complications. Give permission for insurers to contact your endocrinologist directly—this often speeds up underwriting. Provide all requested medical records without delay. If asked about complications or hospitalizations, disclose honestly. If you’ve had fluctuations in control, be straightforward about what happened and what you’re doing now. Insurers respect transparency. If they discover later that you withheld or misrepresented information, your policy can be rescinded. Complete honesty is always the best approach.

After Initial Decision: Next Steps

If approved, congratulations—secure your coverage. If postponed, ask specifically what improvements the insurer wants to see (usually lower HbA1c, typically below 7%, and reduced hypoglycemic episodes, with a timeframe like 6-12 months). Work on achieving those goals, then reapply. If denied by one insurer, explore other options—different carriers have different underwriting guidelines. A denial from one company doesn’t mean all carriers will decline you.

Can I get life insurance if I take Novolog?

Direct answer: Yes, but approval depends on diabetes control.

Most major insurers offer coverage to people with insulin-dependent diabetes on Novolog. However, approval is not automatic. Your HbA1c level, frequency of hypoglycemic episodes, diabetes type, duration, and whether you have complications significantly influence approval and rates. Well-controlled insulin-dependent diabetes has good approval odds; poorly controlled diabetes with frequent lows or complications may face challenges.

Will Novolog increase my life insurance rates?

Direct answer: Yes. Insulin-dependent diabetes significantly increases rates.

Insulin-dependent diabetes does increase rates substantially. Expect to pay 75-150%+ more than someone without diabetes, depending on your HbA1c level, hypoglycemic episodes, and complications. Well-controlled diabetes results in lower rate increases; poorly controlled diabetes or complications result in much higher premiums or potential denial.

Do I have to disclose my insulin use?

Direct answer: Yes. You must fully disclose insulin-dependent diabetes.

You are legally required to disclose your diabetes diagnosis, type, current HbA1c, Novolog use, and any diabetic complications. Failing to disclose or misrepresenting your control can result in policy denial or cancellation. This is considered material misrepresentation. Always provide complete, accurate information.

How long does approval take?

Direct answer: Typically 4-8 weeks, longer than standard cases.

Insulin-dependent diabetes underwriting is thorough and detailed. Expect 4-6 weeks for well-controlled cases, 6- 8+ weeks if insurers request additional information or specialist contact. Having your records organized and authorization ready speeds the process significantly.

What if my HbA1c is above 8%?

Direct answer: Approval is uncertain. Postponement or denial is possible.

HbA1c above 8% indicates inadequate control. Many insurers will postpone 6-12 months and ask you to achieve better control before reconsidering. Some may decline coverage. Your better strategy: Work on lowering your HbA1c to below 7%, demonstrate better control for 2-3 months, then reapply. This gives you a much better chance of approval at better rates.

What if I have frequent severe hypoglycemic episodes?

Direct answer: Approval is complicated. Frequent severe lows significantly increase underwriting risk.

Frequent severe hypoglycemic episodes requiring emergency help or hospitalization indicate loss of hypoglycemic awareness and a serious risk. Many insurers will view this unfavorably and may postpone or decline. Your strategy: Work with your endocrinologist on better insulin adjustment and carbohydrate counting to reduce severe lows. Once you’ve demonstrated a period of fewer severe episodes, reapply.

What if I have type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes?

Direct answer: Underwriting differs between type 1 and type 2 on insulin.

Type 1 diabetes diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood with stable long-term control may present better underwriting prospects than type 2 on insulin (which often indicates advanced disease). However, both can be insurable if well-controlled. Be clear about your diabetes type—it matters for underwriting.

Is insulin-dependent diabetes a disqualifying condition?

Direct answer: No, but it’s a serious underwriting factor.

Insulin-dependent diabetes is not an automatic disqualification. However, it is a serious condition requiring careful underwriting. Approval depends on control, complications, and hypoglycemic episode frequency. Well-controlled insulin-dependent diabetes can qualify for approval. Advanced uncontrolled disease or serious complications may face postponement or denial. Think of it as requiring a thorough evaluation, not automatic denial.