Medical history for type 2 diabetes

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If your health professional suspects that you have type 2 diabetes, he or she will ask about possible symptoms.

Have you had symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, or blurred vision?
How long have you had symptoms?
Has your appetite increased lately?
Have you recently lost or gained weight?

The health professional will also ask about your family and medical history.

Does your family have a history of type 2 diabetes or heart disease?
Have you ever had gestational diabetes or delivered a baby that weighed more than ?
What medications are you taking?
Have you ever been admitted to the hospital or had any surgery?
Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, or both?
Have you been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome?

You will also be asked questions about your lifestyle.

Do you have any lifestyle, cultural, social, or financial factors that could affect your participation in treatment for diabetes?
What is your typical diet? What are your eating habits and patterns?
Do you exercise regularly? What kind of exercise do you do?
Do you drink alcohol? How often and how much do you drink?
Do you smoke or have you ever smoked cigarettes?

Your health professional will also ask about possible signs of complications, such as:

Eye problems. Have you had any problems with double or blurred vision or seeing flashes of light; seeing large, floating red or black spots; or seeing large areas that look like floating hair, cotton fibers, or spiderwebs? When was the last time you had an eye examination?
Nerve damage. Do you have any numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands, legs, or feet?
Kidney problems. Have you had any kidney problems in the past?
Blood vessel disease. Have you had any heart or blood vessel problems in your legs? Have you had chest pain or shortness or breath?
Sexual problems. Have you had any sexual difficulties lately?
Persistent infections or slow-healing wounds. Have you had any skin, feet, vaginal, or urinary tract infections lately?

Credits

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Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Last Updated	June 16, 2008

Last updated:	June 16, 2008
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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