Aflac: 5 Types of Chronic Illnesses and How They Work

Chronic illness prevalence has increased steadily over the past few decades. Today, around 129 million Americans have at least one chronic illness.¹ Fortunately, the medical field continues to learn more about the causes of these illnesses, helping to improve treatment and prevention. This can help people guard against chronic diseases and, if they have one, improve their quality of life. This article explains some of the most common chronic illnesses, how they work, and some tips for reducing one’s risk of each one.

1. Heart disease

Heart disease is a broad term describing chronic conditions impacting the heart. Some heart diseases include:²

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This is a buildup of cholesterol deposits, or plaque, in arteries, slowing blood flow and potentially causing heart attacks.
• Heart Arrhythmias: This is an irregular heartbeat, which can damage various organ systems if left untreated.
• Heart Valve Issues: These occur when one’s heart valves can’t open and close properly, potentially causing blood flow issues or even leaks.
• Pericardial Disease: This is a range of diseases affecting the pericardium, a sac surrounding the heart.
• Congenital Heart Disease: There are several heart conditions that can occur in a baby while developing in the womb.

One’s risk of heart conditions may be genetic. However, other health lifestyle factors can impact risk as well:

• Lack of exercise
• Unhealthy diet
• Smoking
• Chronic stress
• Other conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes²

Therefore, even those with genetic predisposition to heart disease can reduce their risk by making healthy lifestyle changes. For example, regular exercise can strengthen the heart directly, help maintain a healthy weight, and reduce stress.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder where the pancreas does not make enough insulin — the blood sugar regulation hormone — to properly manage glucose (blood sugar) levels. As a result, blood glucose is higher in people with diabetes. This can lead to serious damage when not controlled, particularly in blood vessels and nerves. Some common forms of diabetes include:

• Type 1 diabetes: This is essentially an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the islet cells in the pancreas, preventing insulin production entirely.
• Type 2 diabetes: This is more related to lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes causes the body to have high insulin resistance. The body still makes insulin but can’t use it as well as it needs to.³

Both forms of diabetes have genetic components, contrary to popular belief. However, Type 1 diabetes’s genetic component is stronger. Those with a history of Type 2 diabetes can reduce risk by maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy lifestyle.

Those with diabetes generally manage the condition through a combination of medication, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. They also monitor their blood sugar regularly to ensure they are managing the condition adequately.Gestational diabetes is a special kind of diabetes that can occur in pregnant women due to the hormonal fluctuations experienced during pregnancy. However, it generally resolves itself after childbirth. Still, pregnant women should follow their doctor’s instructions to prevent further issues.

3. Cancer

Cancer is a disease where cells within a particular bodily tissue grow abnormally and spread uncontrollably in the body. It generally occurs when one or more genes in a cell mutate, providing incorrect growth instructions for the cell. This leads to uncontrollable growth. Since cancer is uncontrollable cell growth, nearly any bodily tissue has the potential to become cancerous. Common forms of cancer include:⁴

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Skin cancer
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma

Cancer is one of the most expensive diseases to treat, which can make one ask, “is cancer insurance worth it?” After all, someone with no family history and little risk may prefer not to pay for a policy. Fortunately, cancer insurance costs are reasonable. Plus, one can use it for nearly any relevant costs. For example, if one has excellent health coverage for treatment, they could use insurance to help pay for temporary relocation near the treatment center and to replace lost income.

Furthermore, cancer is simpler and less costly to treat when caught early. Early detection and treatment can also dramatically improve one’s outlook. Regular checkups, especially for those with a family history of cancer, are therefore crucial.

4. Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling, making it harder to perform daily activities. These symptoms tend to worsen with age and can reduce joint function over time. Arthritis comes in several forms. A few types include:⁵

• Osteoarthritis: This is wear and tear that breaks down the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones at the joints, leading to pain and wear on the bone itself.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints.
• Psoriatic arthritis: This attacks the skin as well as the joints. Areas of the skin include the scalp, tips of elbows and knees, and the navel.

One can reduce the risk of certain forms, such as osteoarthritis, through lifestyle factors like weight management. Patients may also use medications and physical therapy to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and maintain joint function.⁵

5. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia

Dementia is a general term for cognitive decline and memory loss, usually with age. Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most well-known, but not the only kind. Damage to cells or loss of cells and cellular connections in the brain generally leads to dementia. Such damage can have several causes. Regardless, this can impair the patient’s memory, language skills, problem-solving, and other thinking-related abilities.⁶

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have no cure.⁶ They may not be completely avoidable, either. However, certain actions may reduce risk factors associated with these and slow the onset of dementia:⁷

• Healthy diet: A balanced, nutritious diet supplies the brain and body with the nutrients they need to function at their best.
• Socializing: Connecting with family and friends can prevent loneliness and depression, guarding one’s cognitive health.
• Intellectual stimulation: Taking courses, studying new subjects, and pursuing hobbies keeps the brain stimulated, slowing cognitive decline.
• Treating hearing problems: Hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline. Those with hearing loss can reduce their risk by getting hearing aids and protecting their hearing.
• Sleep: Good sleep is crucial for protecting the body and mind. Patients who struggle with sleep should seek medical help.

The bottom line

Chronic diseases are prevalent, but some are much more common than others. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and dementia⁸ are among the most widespread.⁹ Fortunately, medical research has helped experts understand these conditions better and refine treatment and prevention. By taking preventive measures and visiting the doctor regularly, people can reduce their risk of developing these conditions or, if they have one, minimize potential complications.

Sources:

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Chronic Disease Prevalence in the US: Sociodemographic and Geographic Variations by Zip Code Tabulation Area. Updated February 29, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2024/23_0267.htm. Accessed August 7, 2024.

² WebMD – Heart Disease: Types, Causes, and Symptoms. Updated June 30, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-disease-types-causes-symptoms. Accessed December 11, 2024.

³ Cleveland Clinic – Diabetes. Updated February 17, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7104-diabetes. Accessed December 11, 2024.

⁴ National Cancer Institute – What is Cancer? https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer. Accessed December 11, 2024.

⁵ Cleveland Clinic – Arthritis. Updated November 13, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12061-arthritis. Accessed December 11, 2024.

⁶ National Institute on Aging – What is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-dementia-symptoms-types-and-diagnosis. Accessed December 11, 2024.

⁷ Alzheimers.gov – Can I Prevent Dementia? https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/can-i-prevent-dementia. Accessed December 11, 2024.

⁸ National Council on Aging – The 10 Most Common Chronic Conditions in Older Adults. Updated May 30, 2024. https://www.ncoa.org/article/the-top-10-most-common-chronic-conditions-in-older-adults/. Accessed December 11, 2024.

⁹ National Cancer Institute – Chronic Disease. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/chronic-disease. Accessed December 11, 2024.

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

Aflac Coverage

Cancer/Specified Disease: In Arkansas, Policies B70100AR, B70200AR, B70300AR, B7010EPAR, B7020EPAR. In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK. In Oregon, Policies B70100OR, B70200OR, B70300OR, B7010EPOR, B7020EPOR. In Pennsylvania, Policies B70100PA, B70200PA, B70300PA. In Texas, Policies B70100TX, B70200TX, B70300TX, B7010EPTX, B7020EPTX.

Critical Illness: In Arkansas, Policies A74100ARR, A74200ARR, A74300ARR. In Delaware, Policies A74100DE, A74200DE, A74300DE. In Idaho, Policies A74100ID, A74200ID, A74300ID. In Oklahoma, Policies A74100OK, A74200OK, A74300OK. In Oregon, Policies, A74100OR, A74200OR, A74300OR. In Pennsylvania, Policies A74100PA, A74200PA, A74300PA. In Texas, Policies A74100TX, A74200TX, A74300TX. In Virginia, Policies A74100VA, A74200VA, A74300VA.

Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Tier One Coverage

Cancer/Specified Disease: In Arkansas, Policy T70000ARR. In Delaware, Policy T70000. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T70000OK. In Oregon, Policy T70000OR. In Pennsylvania, Policies T70000PA, T7000GPA. In Texas, Policy T70000TXR. In Virginia, policies T70000VA & T70000GVA.

Critical Illness: In Arkansas, Policy T71100ARR. In Delaware, Policy T71000. In Oklahoma, Policy T71000OK.  In Oregon, Policy T71000OR. In Pennsylvania, Policies T71100PA – T71400PA. In Texas, Policy T71000TXR. In Virginia, Policy T71100VA.

Tier One coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).

Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA.  Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.

Aflac’s family of insurers include Aflac, Aflac New York, Continental American Insurance Company, and Tier One Insurance Company.

Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

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Senior PR & Corporate Communications
Contact: Angie Blackmar, 706-392-2097 or [email protected]