6 Warning Signs You Might Have Type 2 Diabetes, Even If You Look Slim and Fit
When you hear the word diabetes , you probably imagine someone who is overweight or has an obviously unhealthy lifestyle. In reality, diabetes doesn’t always manifest itself the way you think. Many people with type 2 diabetes are thin, active, or even athletic, and are unaware that their blood sugar is spiking. Your appearance doesn’t protect you from this chronic disease. In medical circles, it’s called “skinny diabetes” or “non-obese diabetes,” and it’s more common than you might think, especially in Asian populations, where diabetes can develop at BMIs much lower than those in Western countries. Here are six warning signs that could indicate you have diabetes, even if your body looks “normal” on the outside.
1. You often feel tired after eating.
Do you feel unusually sleepy, tired, or exhausted after eating, even if the portion wasn’t generous? This could be a sign of increased blood sugar, one of the first signs of insulin resistance. Your cells aren’t using glucose efficiently, and your energy levels drop.
2. Constant feeling of thirst or dry mouth
Unquenchable thirst is a classic symptom of high blood sugar. If you’re constantly drinking water and feeling dehydrated, especially at night, the problem probably isn’t just dry air. It could be undiagnosed diabetes.
3. Unexpected weight or muscle loss
Spontaneous weight loss may seem positive, but it’s often a warning sign. When your body can no longer absorb glucose, it begins to break down fat and muscle for energy. You lose weight, but your blood sugar remains dangerously high.
4. Insatiable craving for sweets
High blood sugar should make you feel full, right? Paradoxically, with insulin resistance, your cells are starving and “want” more sugar. Constant cravings for sweets or carbohydrates may be a cry for help from your metabolism, not a lack of willpower.
