Hmmm..... it does make me wonder

[rustee2011]

The cynical side of me can't help but think that it is all too simple to say diabetes, especially type 2 is linked with obesity. I know quite a few people who are very obese (30 plus stone) and they haven't got it. I do think there are other factors involved. According to the latest it has increased over the years.

Could it be down to other factors as well i.e. changes in how are foods are stored and processed, more fast food outlets, more processed meals etc.

I am not saying that obesity doesn't come with health problems, however, I am not entirely convinced that type 2 diabetes is mainly due to obesity.

 

[Northerner]

Most overweight or obese people don't have diabetes, but it is a risk factor (60% of the population are said to be overweight or obese, yet less than 8% have diabetes). A greater risk factor is if you have a family history of it and therefore a strong genetic susceptibility. There are many people with Type 2 who are not and never have been obese, although it is thought that it may be 'internal fat' which wraps itself around the internal organs which may be at fault, so even if you do not appear overweight you still need to eat a healthy diet and keep active in order to lower your risks. Also, people from some ethnic groups are at greater genetic risk than others.

 

[J.Y.Kelly]

Hi. 5'10", diagnosed with type 2 originally, now type 1.5 LADA, but I was just 11 stone when diagnosed. I cycled daily, 80 miles plus on a Sunday, played football competitively intil I was 39, and ran at least 3 times a week after work. My brother is type 1, my sister is type 1, my dad was type 2 and my grandmother type 2. None of these people are, and/or, never were, overweight. A friend is type 2 and was 9 stone when diagnosed 3 years ago.
If you are predisposed to the condition, then you will do well to stay trim, but it is no guarantee that you will be free from it.
Kelly.

 

[Medusa]

i think it is simply in everyones interests (who are able) to stay trim regardless of predisposition to a condition or not

 

[caffeine_demon]

I think it's more likely genetic, and gretchen's book seems to show that the gene linked to diabetes, can also result in overeating

 

[Caroline]

My mum keeps telling me it is because I am fat I have diabetes and igonres the fact my father has it and one of my late uncles (her brother) had it. She also keeps telling my brother he is too fat and he will get it. As it is in the family he MIGHT get it or he might not get it.