Is it true only overweight people get type 2 diabetes?

Myth. Weight is one risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but it's far from the only one. According to Diabetes Canada, risk also rises significantly with age (40+), having a parent or sibling with diabetes, and ethnicity. People of African, Arab, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous, or South Asian descent are at higher risk independent of weight. Where fat is stored matters too: carrying weight around the abdomen raises risk even in someone who isn't 'overweight' by BMI standards, which is part of why some people at a normal weight still develop insulin resistance or prediabetes. References: https://obesitycanada.ca/healthcare-professionals/adult-clinical-practice-guideline/ https://guidelines.diabetes.ca/GuideLines/media/Docs/Quick%20Reference%20Guide/2024-CPG-Quick-Reference-Guide.pdf

This was a shock for me honestly, I was never overweight and got a prediabetes flag on routine bloodwork in my 30s. Doctor said family history basically explained most of it. Definitely don't assume you're in the clear just because of your weight.