People who might be considered thin or skinny can develop prediabetes, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Weight is one possible risk factor, including age, family medical history, and ethnicity.
Diabetes is a condition that is caused by high blood sugar. If you have diabetes, your body is no longer able to regulate your blood sugar levels effectively.
It’s a common myth that only people with overweight and obesity develop diabetes, both type 1 and type 2. While it’s true that weight is a factor that increases a person’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, it’s just one piece of a larger picture.
People of all shapes and sizes — and yes, weights — can develop diabetes.
If you have type 2 diabetes, you’ve become more resistant to insulin over time and your pancreas has
More than
Weight is one factor that can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Weight is not a factor in type 1 diabetesBy comparison, type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition.
The body’s immune system attacks the beta cells that make insulin in the pancreas, meaning that organ can’t produce that hormone naturally any longer. This hormone moves sugar from your bloodstream into cells, which use that as energy.
People with T1D need to take insulin by injection or insulin pump to live. While researchers don’t fully understand what causes T1D, weight is not a risk factor or cause for the autoimmune condition.
Weight management can affect not only your T2D and prediabetes risk but also how you manage your condition — including those with T1D.
As you gain weight, your body works harder to make insulin and circulate it throughout your body. People with higher BMIs may not use insulin as well as others, meaning insulin resistance develops.
This can mean changing diabetes medications or insulin levels and
Find out more about how you can lose weight to lower your risk of developing prediabetes or T2D, and to help your overall diabetes management if you live with any type of diabetes.
People who develop diabetes during pregnancy have what’s known as gestational diabetes.
Obesity and higher body mass index (BMI) are
This 2025 research also points out that higher BMI is a significant risk factor for returning gestational diabetes during pregnancy, by as much as 48%.
If you have one or more risk factors for type 2 diabetes, you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing the condition. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Get moving: Regular movement is healthy, whether you are overweight or not. Aim to get 150 minutes of exercise each week.
- Eat a smarter diet: Unhealthy foods and eating choices with little nutritional value can increase your risk for diabetes. Aim to eat a diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In particular, try to eat more leafy green vegetables.
- Drink in moderation: People who drink moderate amounts of alcohol — between 0.5 and 3.5 drinks every day — may have a 30% lower risk of diabetes compared to people who drink heavily. Your healthcare team may also recommend lesser amounts based on your medical history and other factors.
- Check your metabolic numbers regularly: If you have a family history of high cholesterol or high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to check these numbers with your doctor regularly. This can help you catch or possibly prevent issues like diabetes or heart disease.
- Quit smoking: If you stop smoking, it nearly brings your risk for diabetes back to normal. This allows your body to better manage your blood sugar levels.
People of all shapes and sizes can develop diabetes. Weight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to risk factors. Weight is not a cause or factor in type 1 diabetes development.
Other risk factors for diabetes may include family medical history, age, and a sedentary lifestyle.
If you’re concerned you might have diabetes, or if you have one or more risk factors, make an appointment to talk with your doctor.