Can Skinny People Get Type 2 Diabetes?

Woody Short

7 years ago

Can skinny people get Type 2 diabetes despite their weight? The truth about the most common risk factors of T2.

It is well known that one of the most common type 2 diabetes risk factors is being overweight or being considered medically obese. But, let’s say you are actually thin and it is something that is just a normal part of who you are. Can skinny people get type 2 diabetes despite their lower weight?

While being thin or being within a normal or healthy weight significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease, there are still a wide number of type 2 diabetes risk factors that could cause the appearance of the ailment.

If you’ve wondered “can skinny people get type 2 diabetes?” the simple answer is yes. Being thin makes your chances somewhat smaller, but there are still certain circumstances that could trigger type 2 diabetes.

For example, being “skinny fat” or being skinny but packing a significant amount of fat – especially around the stomach area – is a risk factor for developing T2.

Moreover, there are other contributing factors to this issue such as family history, your genetic predisposition, your activity level, the type of diet you have, whether or not you have other diseases, etc.

To have a better understanding of why skinny or thin people may still develop type 2 diabetes, it is important to look at the most common risk factors for the disease, the ones that medical research has identified as predominant. Technically, you are at risk if…

There is a history of diabetes in your family
You have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or you are at risk of suffering it
If you are active less than 3 times a week
If you are already 45 years of age or older
Have been suffering from high blood pressure
Have high cholesterol and/or high triglycerides
You’ve had a history of heart disease
Have a history of gestational diabetes
In the case of genetic factors, you are more at risk if you are African American, Native American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander.

So, if you believe you qualify under any of these categories despite being considered skinny, there are a certain number of diabetes type 2 symptoms you can be on the lookout for, or talk to your Doctor about if you think you have experienced any of them.

The most common diabetes type 2 symptoms include:

Increased or excessive thirst
Frequent urination, particularly at nighttime
Sudden episodes of fatigue or tiredness
Hunger that does not seem to go away or be satiated even after meals
Blurry vision or slight dizziness.

In other instances, if a patient has been suffering from Type 2 Diabetes but has not actually being diagnosed, he or she may experience some of the following symptoms:

Heavy sweating for no apparent reason
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Shakiness or trembling
Headaches
Trouble coordinating ideas
Increased heart beat
Sudden mood swings.

To answer the original question of “can skinny people get type 2 diabetes?” we must look at all these factors.

Sometimes, one may consider themselves super healthy and in good state, but only a through blood-work exam and other specific tests can determine whether or not we are actually in a good physical conditions.

The good thing is that, despite receiving a diagnosis, one can still lead a stable and healthy lifestyle. With the right guidance and support from a Specialist, one can make the necessary adjustments to their daily routine, ensuring that the focus is our overall wellbeing.

Changes in diet, activity levels, keeping track of how our glucose levels behave throughout the day and taking medicine (if the case calls for it) are all factors that become part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan.