Can I claim TPD for diabetes?
Short answer
Potentially, yes. Diabetes can support a TPD claim where long-term complications or treatment burden mean you are unlikely to return to suitable work under your policy definition. Decision-makers usually assess functional impact, not diagnosis alone.
What is usually assessed
- Whether Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes has led to persistent complications such as neuropathy, vision loss, kidney issues, cardiovascular events, or severe fatigue.
- How symptoms and treatment requirements affect safe, reliable work attendance and performance.
- Whether your capacity fits any-occupation or own-occupation wording in your policy.
- How your medical history, work history, and current restrictions align over time.
Evidence that often matters
- Specialist and GP reports describing practical work limitations (not just blood glucose readings or diagnosis labels).
- Records of complications, medication side effects, admissions, and treatment intensity.
- Occupational or functional capacity evidence showing why sustainable work is unrealistic.
- Consistent timelines across medical notes, employer records, and claim forms.
Common pitfalls
- Assuming diabetes automatically satisfies TPD criteria.
- Providing pathology-heavy evidence without clearly linking it to work incapacity.
- Overlooking policy waiting periods, offsets, or outdated occupation information.
- Inconsistent explanations of day-to-day limitations.
Important: This page is general information only and not legal advice. Outcomes depend on policy wording, evidence, and individual circumstances.
Related guides
Can I claim TPD for a back injury? · Evidence required for a TPD claim · What happens if a claim is rejected?