Family history of diabetes and awareness of risk factors in Type 2 Diabetic patients

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a preventable disease among the non-communicable diseases. Primary prevention strategies can be formulated based on the risk factors. Family history information may serve as a useful tool for public health because it reflects both genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to determine the family history and level of awareness of risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients.Material Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar from February 2009 to July 2009. A structured questionnaire was used, 400 type 2 diabetic patients, age 40 to 60 years, were assessed for family history and their knowledge regarding the awareness of risk factors. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.Results: In 193(48.3%) patients there was positive family history of diabetes. Considering only the parental history i.e., patients with diabetic father, mother, and parents, the prevalence was 24.9%, 26.9 %, and 36.3%, respectively. Patients who had siblings with diabetes were 10.4%. Further, the prevalence of diabetes was more among patients with both parents being diabetic (36.3%). Patients with family history of diabetes were more aware of the risk factors for diabetes.Conclusion: The tendency of getting diabetes is greater with strong family history. Patients with history of diabetes in family are more aware of the risk factors