Diabetes mellitus: the first visit

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an 'insulin problem' as the maintenance of normoglycaemia is affected by either reduced pancreatic insulin production or cellular insulin resistance. During a patient's first visit for type 2 diabetes mellitus, there are several consultation tasks that the doctor should consider. First, the doctor has to disclose the diagnosis. Second, there is a need to correct any myths and misconceptions that the patient may have on the disease. Next, to allow the doctor to provide patient-specific disease education and advice on lifestyle modifications and goal setting, the biopsychosocial impact of the disease on the patient should be assessed, and relevant lifestyle information gathered. Lastly, screening for the complications of diabetes mellitus and its associated medical conditions should be planned.