Question: I was recently diagnosed with diabetes, even though I'm not overweight (my BMI is 23), I exercise every day, and I eat a healthy diet (I avoid sweets and carbs). Is it possible my genes are to blame?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Yes. With your BMI, the diabetes you have is most likely genetically determined. Type 1 diabetes needs insulin replacement, and is usually best managed in this fashion. I would be very surprised to see high insulin levels characteristic of Type 2 diabetes with your BMI of 23, but there may be some remote possibility if you have some other condition, such as hypothyroidism or an adrenal disorder, that is undiagnosed and uncorrected.
Newly diagnosed diabetics should always be sure to have their doctor check for medications and conditions that may cause diabetes as well as other underlying conditions. For example, your baseline insulin levels would confirm Type 1 diabetes, if your levels are low, and Type 2 if levels are high.
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