Dapagliflozin (Forxiga) is the first in a new class of oral antidiabetic drug that has been given the go-ahead for marketing in Europe, including the UK. Described as a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, this new preparation works on the kidneys to lower blood glucose. What does this new drug have to offer and how can it potentially help our patients with type 2 diabetes?
British Heart Foundation – new support for practice nurses
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is often seen as an organisation focused on patients. This is true, but along with major research, supporting healthcare professionals is also a vital part of our role. In the past we have worked mainly with specialists in secondary care, but now we are re-focusing our attention. For the first time, we are supporting primary healthcare professionals with education and training.
A primary care guide to chronic liver disease
Chronic liver disease is a problem for all of us. It develops silently, often taking many years to cause sufficient damage to be detectable or cause signs or symptoms for which a patient would seek attention. Primary care has a central role in improving the prevention and early detection of chronic liver disease. This special […]
Back to Basics: Oral blood glucose lowering therapies
Time to start insulin in general practice
General practices are under increasing pressure to initiate insulin in type 2 diabetes, as it would be more efficient for the health service and more convenient for most patients. There are many different approaches to starting insulin, but it is essential for practice nurses to work closely with patients and progress slowly to ensure successful and safe outcomes.
Starting insulin treatment for type 2 diabetes
Chronic kidney disease: the no tears review
Many drugs are cleared from the body by the kidneys, so careful medicines management is especially important in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This article explains how to ensure CKD patients receive recommended therapies designed to protect their kidneys and reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
On the beat: Controlling heart rate in angina and heart failure
Controlling heart rate is a key element of good care of patients with angina or heart failure. In this article we explore the benefit of effective heart rate control to reduce hospitalisation and alleviate symptoms. Measuring heart rate is simple, and can provide valuable benefits for many patients.
Editorial 2 – If I had one wish for improving the management of liver disease…
Editorial 1 – Putting chronic liver disease on the primary care agenda
Chronic liver disease is a problem for all of us. It develops silently, often taking many years to cause sufficient damage to be detectable or cause signs or symptoms for which a patient would seek attention. Primary care has a central role in improving the prevention and early detection of chronic liver disease. This special issue of the British Journal of Primary Care Nursing (BJPCN) and Primary Care Cardiovascular Journal on chronic liver disease is full of step-by-step guides and informative articles to give you the key information and tools to get to grips with this important condition.
Fat: separating the facts from the fiction
Fat is an important part of the diet, providing fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, as well as a valuable source of energy or calories. Fat also increases the palatability and carries the flavour of many of our foods. The problem is, despite decades of public health campaigns, most of us still eat too much of the wrong fat. Understanding the different types of fat can help us to advise our patients on ways to optimise their diets.
In the balance: Testosterone deficiency and cardiovascular health
Male hypogonadism—also known as testosterone deficiency syndrome—occurs when the testes no longer produce enough testosterone. Testosterone deficiency may be an important factor in increasing a man’s cardiovascular risk. However, the symptoms are often overlooked in older men, both by primary healthcare professionals and by patients themselves.
