Medical history for type 2 diabetes

Symptoms

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?

Family and medical history

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 9lb?
• 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?

Lifestyle

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?

Complications of diabetes

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?