Question:
Does anyone know why AUSHC wont cover type 1 diabetics?

I was researching the Aushc policy for wls and it states bmi greater than 35 w/co-morbidities such as diabetes type 2. Does anyone know why they wouldn't cover for a type 1 diabetic??    — Vanessa N. (posted on April 26, 2002)

April 26, 2002
I don't think they're saying they won't cover people with Type 1 diabetes. I think they're just using Type 2 as an example of the co-morbidities.
   — garw

April 26, 2002
Type II Diabetes is Adult Onset, and is often caused by being overweight so it is considered a comorbidity. Type I is Juvenile Diabetes and is not a comorbitity of obesity. The insurance company covers type I, but does not consider is a comorbitity of obesity. Hope this is clear as mud. hahaha
   — DJeffrey

April 26, 2002
That is because Type 2 diabetes (insulin resistant diabetes) is often caused or made worse. by obesity and can be improved by Weight loss and in particular by RNY gastric bypass. Type 1 diabetes is caused by problems with pancreas, and is not typically associated with obesity as a cause nor will it likely improve due to weight loss or RNY. However, it shouldn't exclude you for surgery with other co-morbidities, it just does't qualify as a weight related health problem.
   — Dell H.

April 26, 2002
Actually, type 1 diabetes will also be improved for MOs who have WLS. All people with diabetes are at higher risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and impaired circulation, among other things. I expect that my risk for those things will decrease significantly with weight loss. Also, once I can my feet (both top and bottom), I will be better able to catch any potential problems with them before they become serious. So MAYBE insurance wouldn't consider it a co-morb, but I sure do.
   — garw

April 26, 2002
OK, me one more time. Vanessa, I wanted to email you, but don't have your email address. If you have type 1 diabetes, I would LOVE to hear from you. There are not many of us on this site.
   — garw

April 26, 2002
Thank you all for the information. I'm questioning only because my new pcp believes that I am no longer type 2 because of my last A1C test and am now type 1. We still don't know. My bmi is on the low side as well. It just caused some concern when I read Aetna's plcy. stating a co-morbidty of type 2 and nothing about type 1. Thanks again for responding! :)
   — Vanessa N.

April 26, 2002
Oh by the way Gar, my e-mail address is [email protected].
   — Vanessa N.

April 26, 2002
HC1A shows control but not type of diabetes. As it gets worse often type 2s are put on insulin. What was your HC1A number? Mine was 11 to 12 pre op starving, Now 5.8 normal for non diabetic. NY specialists say I am cured, but Gar oill instantly disagree:( In any case even those on insulin are off all drugs and insulin for diabetes. 85% are no longer diabetic.
   — bob-haller