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What apparently happens is that the body attacks the Beta cells of the pancreas believing them to be invaders. These insulin-producing cells are therefore destroyed to a significant degree and "Hey Presto! Instant Diabetes".
Type 2 diabetes (not needing insulin) is caused by insulin resistance which is generally the result of obesity though now there is a blurring of boundaries between Type 1 and 2.
Now, with the above in mind, the question is, how the heck could a hurricane cause diabetes? Well, regarding Type 1 diabetes a theory that may prove correct or incorrect is that an autoimmune response may be precipitated by on going stress of such intensity that the inflammation caused by chronically high levels of cortisol leads to an immune system malfunction.
However, regarding Type 2 diabetes I think there is a very clear and direct connection. For the sake of brevity I will not cover all pertinent details because the purpose of this article is to convey an idea that may be worth considering.
So, "Hurricane Katrina Causes Diabetes" may be a reality when you look at two groups of persons. First, are those directly affected. Many people, when stressed sufficiently, will eat more than they need. I am willing to bet that over the next 5 years, if the direct victims are tracked, many of them will become obese and get diabetes; even those without a genetic predisposition.
The second group are those who, though not directly involved with the disaster, are vicariously involved to the point where they begin to gain significant amounts of weight due to poorly managed stress.
Both groups may also, to some degree, be affected by a type of hyper-vigilance that creates an on going 'fight or flight' response that can lead to insulin resistance. Untreated insulin resistance not only can lead to diabetes but, to its corollary, which is also very dangerous.
So, what is an answer? For both groups, effective stress management tools are a must. I believe that being taught self-hypnosis is the best, most cost-effective answer. If insurance companies want to save a lot of money over the next decade then it is definitely in their best interests to somehow get their insured clients strongly involved in stress reduction classes.
Stress reduction may also mitigate some of the potential harmful, autoimmune responses that Katrina may induce in those who are susceptible.
If these ideas are taken to heart, maybe the headlines might read: "Katrina Almost Caused Diabetes".
Floods. Famine. Fire. Louisiana got to enjoy all of that and more after Hurricane Katrina swept through, leaving devastation and ruin behind. On top of that, millions of residents were left homeless because their homeowners insurance wouldn't or couldn't pay out their necessary claims. Today's residents are still paying for the 2005 disaster by paying exorbitant prices for their homeowners insurance and struggling to find any type of flood insurance coverage to keep them from becoming just another statistic.
The first step to buying Louisiana homeowners insurance is to determine how "high risk" your community is in terms of flooding. If you're inland and away from areas that tend to spill over on a fairly reliable basis you might be able to find flood insurance through a private insurer for a reasonable rate; however, if you make your home in the bayou area along the coast almost no insurer is going to be willing to provide you with coverage. If that's the case, your best bet is going to be to contact the National Flood Insurance Program to see about purchasing government insurance.
The next step is to shop around. The internet has made shopping for quotes online infinitely easier than the old fashioned method of picking up the phone and spending days calling around, so don't take the first decent offer that comes your way. Remember, haggling is practically the cornerstone of modern day insurance shopping. Take advantage of it. You'd be astonished at how quickly an insurer will drop their prices if you tell them that their competition offered coverage to you for 20% less!
Don't forget to push your agent into telling you about their discounts; all of their discounts. You'd be amazed at what will save you money when you're talking about your homeowners insurance. For example, installing deadbolt locks and an electronic security system can save you as much as 10% on your coverage. People over 55, retired or working from home can save money because they're home most of the day to respond quickly if there's an emergency. Some organizations team up with insurance companies to offer their members discounts, and some employers participate in these programs as well.
A big percentage of the almost incomprehensible equation used to determine Louisiana homeowners insurance premiums is how much coverage you want. Be sure that you're insuring your house and not your house and the grass, trees and soil it's sitting on. Cutting your land out of the equation can shave hundreds off the cost of your premiums. Also, decide if you want to insure using the replacement cost of your house or its cash value (i.e. do you want to take depreciation into account?). Things lose value over time, and the less money your insurance company has to pay out if there's an emergency the less money you're going to have to pay in annual premiums.
Finding affordable Louisiana homeowners insurance isn't impossible, just a little tricky. Be sure you know the ins and outs of your insurance coverage. When you live in the second most expensive state in the country it's up to you to make sure your home is protected while making your dollars count.