Yes, healthy people can get type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells in the body do not respond to insulin. This leads to an accumulation of sugar in the blood, which can cause health complications.
The main risk factor for type 2 diabetes is obesity, but it is possible for healthy people to get the disease as well. People who are at risk include those who are over the age of 45, have a family history of diabetes, are physically inactive, or have high levels of certain fats in their blood.
In addition, certain ethnicities are more prone to type 2 diabetes, including African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans. Also, women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk.
The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight, get regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet, and avoid smoking. If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, it is important to get your blood sugar checked regularly. Early detection and management of the disease can help prevent serious health complications.