Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by prolonged high blood sugar. While overweight and obesity are significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes, not all obese individuals will develop the disease.

Thin individuals can develop diabetes due to unhealthy lifestyles. These include prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity, chronic sleep deprivation, or excessive consumption of sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates. These factors negatively affect glucose metabolism. Chronic stress also plays a role by increasing cortisol hormone levels and reducing insulin sensitivity, contributing to an elevated risk of metabolic disorders.

Visceral fat, which surrounds the liver, pancreas, and other abdominal organs, is closely linked to insulin resistance. An individual with a normal BMI who accumulates significant visceral fat still faces a high risk of metabolic disorders, including diabetes.

Patients undergo blood tests at Tam Anh General Hospital. *Photo: Hospital provided*

Individuals with a thin build but a large waist circumference (over 80 cm for women, over 90 cm for men) are prone to insulin resistance, which negatively impacts blood sugar. Additionally, those with parents or siblings who have diabetes face a higher risk than individuals without a family history.

Even with a normal physique, you should undergo regular blood sugar checks, especially if risk factors are present or unusual symptoms appear. To prevent the disease, maintain a balanced diet, limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates. Increase your intake of green vegetables and fiber, exercise for at least 150 minutes weekly, get sufficient sleep, and combine this with regular health check-ups to detect diabetes risk early.

Master, Doctor Ha Dinh Khai

Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi