Ep 24 – Key considerations when prescribing steroids

Steroids are prescribed for a range of health conditions. In this podcast, which has been recorded for Chronic Conditions Month 2021, Dr Steve Holmes (Clinical Respiratory Lead for NHS Somserset) and Dr Kevin Fernando (GP Partner at North Berwick Health Centre and Education Director for GPnotebook Education) discuss the factors that primary care clinicians need to be aware of when prescribing these drugs. What are the most common side effects with steroid use? What do clinicians need to do to minimise the risk of adrenal crisis when withdrawing steroids? What should sick-day guidance look like for people on long-term steroid treatment? How vigilant do clinicians need to be for steroid-induced diabetes?

Covid-19, Diabetes and endocrinology, Respiratory & chest medicine, Rheumatology

20 April 2021

Ep 17 – Diabetes special: round-up from the ADA 2020 virtual congress

Kevin is joined by Drs Patrick Holmes, Amrit Lamba and Amar Puttanna to discuss the key take-home points from last week’s American Diabetes Association Virtual Scientific Sessions congress.

Diabetes and endocrinology

25 June 2020

Ep 16 – Diabetes and COVID-19 related mortality in England: an interview with Partha Kar

Kevin discusses the findings of NHS research on COVID-19 in people with diabetes with study author Professor Partha Kar, National Specialty Advisor – Diabetes with NHS England.

Diabetes and endocrinology, Infectious disease

26 May 2020

Ep 15 – Sick day guidance for diabetes drugs and the management of hypoglycaemia

Kevin discusses what to do with each of the commonly used classes of diabetes drugs during intercurrent illness – a topic of particular relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Are these medications safe to continue? If so, is dose titration required? Which of these drugs be temporarily be stopped?

Diabetes and endocrinology

15 May 2020

Ep 14 – Primary adrenal insufficiency, long-term steroid use and COVID-19 infection

Kevin discusses some helpful and important clinical guidance on the prevention of adrenal crisis during the pandemic. Notably, this includes not only those patients with primary adrenal insufficiency but also all of those patients on long-term steroid treatment.

Diabetes and endocrinology, Infectious disease

1 May 2020

Ep 7 – Appropriate use and safety profile of SGLT2 inhibitors

Dr Kevin Fernando provides a practical overview of the utility of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, focusing on dosing, cardiovascular and renal safety and the management of adverse events, including dehydration and genital infections.

Diabetes and endocrinology

20 January 2020

Ep 2 – Diagnostic dilemmas and classification conundrums in diabetes

Dr Kevin Fernando takes us through brief case scenarios to illustrate diagnostic tips and pitfalls in primary care.

Diabetes and endocrinology

13 November 2019