Taylor hasn’t been feeling well lately. In the locker room last week, after finishing last in the one mile walk, Taylor’s classmates began teasing him. In embarrassment and frustration, Taylor accidentally slammed his locker shut on his finger. A week later, the cut still hasn’t healed.
In class, he complains to his teacher that he has trouble seeing the whiteboard and that his head hurts. He is also thirsty all the time, which causes him to use the restroom frequently.
Crystal notices a change in Taylor’s behavior, including frequent mood swings. He used to grudgingly comply when she asked him to pick up his room, but lately he has been putting up more of a fight. She also has noticed that while playing video games with his friends, he is easily annoyed and frustrated. Yesterday she spoke with his teacher about his headaches and his inability to see the whiteboard.
When Crystal finally asks Taylor what is wrong, he confesses how he has been feeling. Taylor’s health issues concern his parents. Taylor’s father, Stewart, has high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, and there is a long family history of type 2 diabetes. Since birth, Taylor’s regular physical exams have indicated that he is above the norm in body mass index (BMI) and weight, and below the norm in height.
Growth Chart:Based on his current health issues and health history, his parents decide to make an appointment with Dr. Waring, the family primary care physician (PCP).