The most common thing people say to me when they hear I have type 2 diabetes is “My dad/husband/aunt/sister has that too!” The second most common is “You don’t look like you have diabetes.” Being overweight is a primary risk factor for diabetes, but it isn’t the only risk factor, and there is no one type 2 body type. The third most common thing is something about my hair; that’s not relevant here.
So, I’m a swimmer, today is the Dublin Pride parade, and I think that I’m in great shape for someone who is in his mid 40s (I will be 49 in less than a week), so here are some photos of me in my pride swimming shorts, to dispel the myth that all type 2 people are obese.
Further reading
- Risk Factors for diabetes, from Diabetes Ireland