Will a thin, athletic person who eats a lot of sugar end up diabetic?

The occurrence of type 2 diabetes is essentially linked to lifestyle. The risks of developing this disease are increased in the presence of one or more of these factors: genetics, gestational diabetes, PCOS, being overweight or obese, abdominal fat, a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia and of course a diet that is too refined, too fatty and too sweet. Being overweight also plays a role in the occurrence of this disease. So are thin people safe no matter what they eat? “It is rare that slim and sporty people are inclined to junk food and eat a lot of sugar”, immediately asks Dr Alexandra Dalu, anti-aging doctor, mesotherapist and nutritionist. For good reason, when you exercise regularly, the brain is more inclined to eat better. “There is a certain form of mental consistency which means that we will naturally be more attracted to rich and varied food, of the Mediterranean type” she explains. In general, the athlete will wait until the adrenaline subsides at the end of his session, to restore himself with a recovery diet adapted to his sporting lifestyle.

A fast basal metabolism

Through his physical activity, the athlete will have a Energetic cost, a basic metabolism higher than average since he has more muscles and the muscle works constantly, even in the absence of sport. In other words, a sporty person will necessarily metabolize sugar faster than a non-athletic person. Be careful, however. “An athlete who only eats sugar and, what’s more, eats poorly, will also lose muscle since he will no longer have a sufficient intake of fiber, protein and good fats”, warns our expert. A thin and athletic person is therefore not immune to developing type 2 diabetes, even if it will years to settle. “Excessive sugar consumption in athletes can lead to strains, sprains, fractures, reduced performance, palpitations and dehydration”she continues.

“Thin people are lucky to have a rapid metabolism. But if they eat poorly, their overall health can suffer.”, warns Dr Alexandra Dalu. If the patient has a genetic predisposition and eats very poorly, he will have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if he practices regular physical activity. Conversely, if the subject eats well, their risks of becoming diabetic will be significantly lower. “The golden rule, whether you are sporty or not, is to adopt a diet in line with your energy expenditure and based on the Mediterranean diet, the benefits of which have been widely demonstrated“, concludes the nutritionist. On the menu: proteins such as eggs, seafood, little meat, nuts, fruits and vegetables, legumes, rich in fiber and antioxidants with little sugar and few processed products.

Thanks to Dr Alexandra Dalu, anti-aging doctor, mesotherapist, nutritionist and author of “The 100 ideas that prevent you from feeling well” published by Leducs.