Settle a debate: Does diabetes only affect obese people?

Question

I say this isn't true, but overall my friend says it is...

Answer 1

It's generally true that most people with Type 2 diabetes (which used to be referred to as adult-onset diabetes) are overweight or obese, which is why it's on the rise here in the US, even in children. As our population gets fatter, the instances of Type 2 diabetes start to rise. Being too fat causes your body to be resistant to the insulin it makes.

Type 1 diabetes can be inherited, or it can be caused by an autoimmune attack on the pancreas. Type 1s stop producing insulin altogether, so that's why they have to take injections or use an insulin pump. Plenty of thin people have diabetes, for example, Halle Berry (though it's unclear what type and she doesn't talk about it much) and the current Mr. Universe (a bodybuilder! all muscle!).

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Your friend is wrong.

Type 2 diabetes tends to affect more people who are overweight but that is not the only factor. Others factors include a generally unhealthy lifestyle and being sedentary (not getting exercise). Many type 2s can manage with diet and exercise and oral meds. Some need to take insulin.

Many type 1s are like me...young, thin, fit and healthy. Many of us have had it since an early age (childhood, teen years and 20s). I was diagnosed in my mid 20s. I am not now, nor have I ever been, overweight. I'm fit and in shape. It just happened to me. Type 1s are always insulin dependent.

Then there's gestational diabetes. It occurs during pregnancy. If often goes away after the birth of the baby.

So, that only fat people are affected by diabetes is a myth. It can happen to anyone. Type 1 does not have a genetic tendency. Type 2 does.

Answer 4

there are at least 4 types of diabetes that i know of...type 1 or juvenile diabetes hits the young and previously healthy ( I was 16 yrs old athletic 5'5" and 112 lbs) always insulin dependan, there is a genetic component but it is typically triggered by a minor viral illness, and the immune systems reacts poorly, thereby attacking the portion of the pancreas called the islets of langerhans (which produces insulin). Type 2 is oftenassociated with obesity and lifestyle and is largely reversible with changes in diet etc. Gestational diabetes is only found in pregnancy obviously, but is a marker for future type2 diabetics. Diabetes Insipidous is a totally different animal it shares some symptoms such as frequent urination but it has to do with adh anti-diuretic hormone in the body. all are treated by endocrinologists and require serious medical care but the most important person to treat you is YOU! No one else can take care of your diabetes like you can. I didn't get this out of a book...I've just spent a lot of time researching my own health care.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

No. There are two types of Diabetes - Type 1 (aka Juvenille diabaetes) and type 2 (adult onset diabetes). In type 1, your body stops producing insulin. The onset of type 1 is usually in childhood, and weight has no effect. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body stops responding to insulin. This usually occurs in older adults, and is usually (but not always) associated with obesity. So diabetes can affect anybody, but obesity GREATLY increases your odds of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Answer 7

You are correct and your friend is wrong. my son is 4 and weighed all of 35lbs when diagnosed. Hardly obese no? he has type 1.
There are several types of Diabetes. Type 2 is most commonly found in people that are overweight. There are however type 2s in normal weight ranges. there's also MODY (Maturity Onset of Diabetes of the Young), type 1 1/2 which is a person of type 1 who is becoming insulin resistant, etc. Www.diabetes.org

Answer 8

Diabetes affects anyone. Type 2, or adult-onset diabetes, is more common in people with weight problems, but Type 1 diabetes is often found in people of normal weight.

Answer 9

While obesity can be a factor in developing diabetes, not only obese people get diabetes. You and your friend might want to read up on this topic -- it's an important one and education is a powerful tool : )

http://diabetes.health.ivillage.com/

Answer 10

I am 5'8" tall and wt is 130, I found out I have type 1 diabetes 1 year ago. I have never been obese, so I would say the answer is NO