Myth: People who are thin cannot have prediabetes.
Although being overweight is a significant risk factor for developing prediabetes, not all people with prediabetes are overweight. People gain weight (and lose weight) for a variety of reasons and not all weight gain means you have prediabetes.
If your weight has changed — either you have gained weight or lost weight without trying to, call your doctor and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Changes in weight can signal a health problem and one of the first signs of diabetes can be weight loss.
If your family history includes type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis you may be at an increased risk for prediabetes regardless of your weight. In fact, the American Diabetes Association and National Institutes of Health both recommend that all people age 45 and older – regardless of their weight and family history get screened for prediabetes.
- Who should be tested for prediabetes?
- Who should be tested for insulin resistance?
- Signs and Symptoms of Insulin Resistance
- Risk Factors for Prediabetes