Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone required to assist in the uptake of glucose out of the bloodstream into cells to produce energy. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Roughly 10-15% of the diabetic population in Ireland suffer from Type 1 diabetes. Insulin is one of the main treatments for Type 1 diabetes.
The aim of this course is to provide an update on the use of insulin in the management of Type 1 diabetes.
Chemotherapy drugs taken by mouth are referred to as oral therapies. The use of oral chemotherapy medicines has been a huge advancement in the fight against cancer. Giving an alternative option to intravenous administration increases prescribers’ options and may provide patients with a more convenient choice. One of the principal differences with the use of oral agents compared to systemic anti-cancer therapies is that they are supplied in the community rather than administered through hospital.
The aim of this course is to provide an update on the use of oral cancer medications and their management.
The thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in the human body. Undiagnosed thyroid dysfunctions can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life. The most common types of thyroid dysfunction comprise of abnormal production of thyroid hormones including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Abnormalities in thyroid function affect roughly 5% of the population.
The aim of this course is to provide a review of the diagnosis and management of thyroid conditions.
Combined Hormonal Contraception (CHC) has been used by millions of women worldwide for well over 50 years. Recently, the use of ‘tailored’ CHC regimens is on the increase. While currently outside the manufacturer’s licence, patients are often being advised to take a shorter hormone-free interval or no interval compared to the traditional 21 days on, 7 days off cycle. The use of these ‘tailored’ regimens is supported by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH) clinical guideline on the use of CHC. This clinical guidance was most recently updated in November 2020.
The aim of this course is to review the main CHCs used in practice as well as highlighting the core learning points from the new clinical guidance issued from the FSRH.
Multiple sclerosis diagnosis is on the increase across the globe and Ireland is no exception. With a prevalence of 9 per 100,000 for women and 3 per 100,000 for men, we are considered a high prevalence country. MS is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. It is characterised by loss of myelin (demyelination), axonal degeneration and Oligodendrocyte loss.
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of MS and give up-to-date information on diagnosis and management.