When applying for Social Security Disability Benefits due to Diabetes, no matter if you’re looking into Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI),  your claim will heavily rely on the strength and specificity of the medical evidence detailing your case. Diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2, is not an automatic qualifier for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires detailed documentation proving that your condition substantially limits your ability to perform work-related tasks. 

Medical Records: The Foundation of Your Claim 

Comprehensive medical records are the bedrock of any successful SSDI or SSI claim. These records must reflect not just the diagnosis but the ongoing treatment and the impact of diabetes on your daily life. Essential elements include: 

• Date of diagnosis (Type 1 or Type 2) 

• Blood sugar control history: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels over time help demonstrate long-term glucose management. A consistent HbA1c level above 7.0% may indicate poor control and an increased risk of complications. 

• Medication history: Document any insulin or oral medications you take, including the dosages, frequency, and any side effects. 

• Treatment plan: Include records of responses to different therapies, including insulin adjustments. 

• Complications: Detail any diabetes-related complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, or kidney disease. 

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), over 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately 1 in 3 adults will develop some form of diabetes-related complication. 

Physician’s Statement (Medical Opinion) 

The SSA gives great weight to detailed medical opinions from your treating physician, known as “treating source statements.” Your doctor should describe: 

• Limitations on physical activities like standing, walking, or using your hands due to nerve damage (neuropathy). 

• Cognitive or psychological impairments resulting from blood sugar fluctuations, such as difficulty concentrating or memory lapses. 

• Work-related limitations, such as needing frequent breaks for blood sugar monitoring or limitations on tasks due to complications like vision loss or amputation. 

Lab Results: Objective Evidence of Diabetes Impact 

Laboratory results are crucial in substantiating your claim because they help establish the existence of a medical impairment that could cause the symptoms alleged. HbA1c (the test that measures a person’s average blood sugar levels over the past months), Urinalysis, Electromyography (EMG), and Retinal Exams are some of the most common screening tests for diabetes.  

Imaging Studies 

For those with advanced diabetic complications, imaging results can also provide tangible evidence: 

• X-rays and MRIs: Can reveal joint damage or infections linked to diabetic neuropathy. 

• Eye imaging: From your ophthalmologist can show the severity of diabetic retinopathy. 

Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment 

The SSA may request an RFC assessment, which details your physical and mental limitations due to diabetes. This is often completed by your doctor and covers the following: 

• Ability to perform physical tasks like lifting, sitting, or standing for extended periods. 

• Cognitive impairments from blood sugar fluctuations. 

• How frequently does your condition require medical appointments or hospitalization. 

Documentation of Complications 

Diabetes often leads to secondary conditions that further impair your ability to work: 

• Neuropathy: Descriptions of numbness, pain, and limitations on mobility or dexterity. 

• Retinopathy: Eye exams showing vision loss that affects your ability to perform work tasks. 

• Amputations: If diabetes leads to amputation, the SSA requires evidence of how this impacts daily activities and job performance. 

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Document kidney function and complications, particularly if you require dialysis. 

• Heart Disease: Records of any cardiovascular complications related to your diabetes. 

Mental Health Records (If Applicable) 

If your diabetes exacerbates mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, include: 

• Cognitive impairment reports: These demonstrate any effects from extreme blood sugar fluctuations. 

• Psychiatric evaluations: Document how mental health conditions interfere with your ability to work and manage daily activities. 

Why Comprehensive Medical Evidence is Critical for Your Social Security Disability Benefits Due to Diabetes

The SSA does not approve claims based solely on a diagnosis of diabetes. Instead, they need to see how the disease impacts your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). By providing detailed medical evidence, you show the extent of your limitations and increase your chances of receiving benefits.