Diabetes Complications: The Hidden Battle for Disability Benefits

BELLEVILLE, IL – November 13, 2025

In recognition of National Diabetes Awareness Month, a critical spotlight is being cast on the profound medical and financial challenges confronting individuals with diabetes as they navigate the intricate Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process. Allsup, a leading national provider of SSDI representation, is drawing attention to the significant hurdles faced by those whose severe diabetes complications prevent them from working.

“For individuals who can no longer work due to complications of diabetes, the SSDI application process can be complex,” stated Terry J. Geist, principal advocate at Allsup. “A diagnosis alone is not enough. The Social Security Administration requires detailed proof that a person’s condition prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity, which refers to earnings at a certain level through work.” This statement underscores a reality often misunderstood by many applicants: the road to disability benefits is paved with medical evidence and stringent criteria.

The Rising Tide of Diabetes and its Economic Fallout

The scale of diabetes in America is staggering, with an estimated 38.4 million people living with the condition, accounting for approximately 11.6% of the population. This figure includes 8.7 million individuals who remain undiagnosed, highlighting a significant public health challenge. Furthermore, the prevalence of diabetes dramatically increases with age, affecting nearly 30% of adults aged 65 or older. Beyond diagnosed cases, a staggering 97.6 million American adults contend with prediabetes, signaling a continuous and growing burden on the healthcare system and, potentially, on social safety nets like SSDI.

While advancements in medical care allow many to manage their diabetes effectively, a substantial number develop severe, debilitating complications. These complications, ranging from kidney failure and cardiovascular disease to nerve damage and vision loss, can render individuals unable to sustain employment. The sheer volume of individuals affected by diabetes, coupled with the potential for severe health decline, suggests an increasing demand on the SSDI system, prompting questions about its capacity to meet future needs and the broader economic implications for both beneficiaries and taxpayers.

Navigating the Labyrinth: Beyond a Diagnosis

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not grant disability benefits solely on a diagnosis of diabetes. Instead, their evaluation hinges on whether the condition, through its severe complications, demonstrably limits an individual's ability to engage in substantial gainful activity. This nuanced approach means applicants must provide exhaustive proof of how diabetes-related health issues functionally impair them.

Common complications that frequently contribute to successful SSDI claims include peripheral neuropathy that restricts mobility or dexterity, diabetic retinopathy leading to vision loss, chronic kidney disease often requiring dialysis, severe cardiovascular complications like heart failure or stroke, and amputations resulting from circulatory problems. These conditions illustrate the critical need for comprehensive medical documentation that goes beyond merely listing diagnoses.

Nationally, initial SSDI applications face a challenging approval rate, typically ranging from 30% to 38%. For diabetes-related claims, specifically, the initial approval rate can be even lower, often around 20%. As an advocate noted,