The impact of family history of diabetes on glucose testing and counseling behavior in primary care.

E pidemiological evidence has revealed increasing prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes (1,2), with an estimated 6.3% of the U.S. adult population having either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes (3). Individuals with a family history of diabetes are at increased risk of developing diabetes, and lifestyle modification can help reduce this risk (4–6). Several studies have demonstrated that lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise or healthy dietary choices, are associated with a reduced risk of developing diabetes (7–10). The purpose of this study was to determine whether a family history of diabetes was associated with a provider’s decision to screen for diabetes or with a provider’s counseling about lifestyle modifications.