A family history of diabetes is a major risk factor. If you uncover such a history, find out which type other family members have. The risk of a child developing Type 1 diabetes if a parent has Type 1 diabetes is considerably lower than the risk of a child developing Type 2 diabetes later in life if a parent has Type 2 diabetes.
A family history of diabetes may influence your patient’s feelings and attitudes about the disease. A family member who has had major complications from diabetes or who doesn’t comply with the treatment plan can be a source of fear and misunderstanding for your patient. Uncovering a family history of diabetes provides an opportunity for you to explore your patient’s attitudes, misconceptions, and fears about the disease.
Health History
A health history performed to identify the signs and symptoms of diabetes is similar to any other health history. It should cover your patient’s biographical information, chief complaint, history of her present illness, medical history, family history,psychological and social history, and a review of her body systems.
If your patient has already been diagnosed with diabetes, you’ll also need to review her treatment plan, the problems she encounters in living with diabetes, and any acute and chronic complications. The health history can also help you uncover problems with treatment compliance and patient concerns.
History of Present Illness
Investigating your patient’s present illness adds to the information you’ve already gathered about her chief complaint. Find out when the present illness started, what the first symptoms were, and if any recent treatments have relieved them.