Deepak Singh Deepak Singh Asked 7 months ago

Can you be skinny and have diabetes?

My neighbour is quite thin, looks very fit actually, but he was recently diagnosed with diabetes. This surprised me as I always thought diabetes affects heavier people. Can someone be skinny and still have diabetes?

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7 answers

Vivek Murthy Vivek Murthy Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago
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Yes, this is medically known as Thin on the Outside, Fat on the Inside (TOFI). My physician explained that South Asians often store visceral fat around internal organs even if they look thin, which leads to insulin resistance. Do not rely on weight alone; an HbA1c test is essential.

Pooja Didi Pooja Didi Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Look, stop thinking that only fat people get diabetes. That is a complete myth. If your diet is full of junk and sugar, or if it runs in your family, you can easily get it even if you are skinny. Go get a simple blood test done instead of guessing.

Karan Kapoor Karan Kapoor Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Absolutely, body weight isn't the only indicator of health. Muscle mass plays a huge role in glucose metabolism. If you are skinny-fat, starting a regular strength training routine and a 20-minute daily walk can significantly improve your insulin sensitivity.

Harish Patel Harish Patel Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

I have been a skinny diabetic for five years now. The most important tip is to focus on protein and fiber to avoid glucose spikes. Don't let people tell you to eat more carbs just to gain weight; that will ruin your sugar levels.

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Rohan Deshmukh Rohan Deshmukh Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

Bro, I am 58 kgs and got diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last year. Everyone in my family is thin but we have a strong genetic history. It was a shocker for me, but now I manage it with proper diet and gym.

Anjali Sen Anjali Sen Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Yes, it is very possible. My cousin is very thin and has been managing diabetes for years. Just eat healthy meals and don't worry too much, you can manage it well.

Sanjay Dutt Sanjay Dutt Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Please don't ignore this just because you look fit. I didn't get tested because I was thin, and by the time I was diagnosed, I already had diabetic retinopathy. Please see a doctor and get your fasting sugar and HbA1c checked immediately.

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