Resources

Despite the distinct advantages of new antidiabetic agents, gliclazide retains specific roles in contemporary type 2 diabetes management when prescribed judiciously. This article looks at a narrative review of current evidence examining gliclazide’s pharmacology, efficacy, safety profile, and targeted clinical applications. The main findings were that gliclazide demonstrates robust glucose-lowering efficacy (haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) reduction 11–16mmol/mol) in patients with residual beta-cell function (Simpson et al, 2013). Hypoglycaemia risk remains significant. Contemporary evidence also suggests that gliclazide does not accelerate beta-cell exhaustion (Khunti et al, 2013; Kalra et al, 2018). Specific scenarios where gliclazide is useful include short-term rescue therapy for steroid-induced hyperglycaemia, rapid glycaemic control when front-loading is appropriate, and when contraindications preclude sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Renal function monitoring is essential due to prolonged action in impairment (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2022; British National Formulary [BNF], 2024). The author concludes that gliclazide maintains validity in targeted scenarios when prescribed with individualised assessment. General practice nurses (GPNs) should ensure comprehensive hypoglycaemia education and regular patient monitoring.

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine condition characterised by an underactive thyroid gland, resulting in a deficiency of thyroid hormones. It presents with variable symptoms, which can range from mild such as fatigue and dry skin, to more severe, such as shortness of breath. As it shares fairly wide ranging symptoms with many other common conditions, such as depression, menopause, etc, it can sometimes be missed. If left untreated, the outcome can be fatal. The condition is often diagnosed and treated in the primary care setting, and this article gives nurses and nonmedical prescribers an overview of the disease with the aim of helping them recognise and treat this condition, so as to improve outcomes and quality of life.

In this article, Leanne Hume, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) independent health and social care lead nurse (Northern), general practice nurse (GPN) and Queen’s Nurse (QN), and Michelle Raddings, RCN independent health and social care lead nurse (Yorkshire and Humber), explore why research in primary care matters. They reflect on the unique role of GPNs in identifying real-world questions, shaping evidence-based practice, and leading innovation from within community settings.

Past editorials, both my own and others I have read, reflect on the joys of spring; the warmer weather and the beauty of gardens in full bloom. This year we have all of this, and I am enjoying the weather and taking time to value and appreciate nature each day. I find this form of mindfulness helpful for my overall wellbeing within a busy day-to-day routine. However, I am also aware that this time of year doesn’t bring joy for all. In particular, those with hay fever can really struggle with the kind of weather and subsequent hay fever levels we have experienced this year. Where I live, the goat willow seeds are blowing everywhere — beautiful to look at but potentially sensitising for those prone to hay fever.

Like an annoying party guest who turns up before you’ve had a chance to crack open the wine and choose a suitable playlist, the hay fever season seems to be arriving earlier each year. But is this early onslaught of sneezing, coughs and runny noses a trick of our collective imaginations, an effect of climate change, or simply a function of changing allergen patterns?

Allergy UK launched a powerful campaign, ‘I Wish I Knew…’ in April, developed in response to rising allergy cases; with one in two people in Europe estimated to be living with an allergy by 2026 according to the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Summer has arrived and many of us are daring to get our legs out! That prospect isn’t an option for some people, however.

Across the UK, millions live with lower limb wounds and swelling that is preventable, and treatable — yet too often are given suboptimal care. These conditions can have a huge impact on a patient’s quality of life (Franks et al, 2006; GonzálezConsuegra and Verdu, 2011) and a significant burden on the NHS (Guest et al, 2020).

Transforming Roles is a flagship programme of work in Scotland. It aims to provide strategic oversight, direction and governance to develop and transform nursing, midwifery and allied health professional (NMAHP) roles to meet the current and future needs of Scotland’s health and care system. It also ensures that there is a nationally consistent, sustainable education and career pathway approach so that practitioners are appropriately prepared for new and enhanced roles. NHS Education Scotland (NES) provides strategic oversight and works in collaboration with key stakeholders to lead education development to support the Transforming Roles agenda.

Here, Callum Metcalfe-O’Shea, UK professional lead for long-term conditions at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), talks to Andrew Power, water wellbeing specialist at Swim England, the national governing body for swimming and aquatic sports in England, about the importance of swimming in providing physical and mental wellbeing benefits and highlighting the crucial role that GPNs play in supporting these conversations.

Wound care presents a substantial burden on the NHS, clinicians, and patients. Promoting supported self-management has emerged as a key strategy to empower patients in proactively managing their wounds. When implemented appropriately, it can improve treatment adherence, enhance patient wellbeing, reduce the need for clinical appointments, and lower healthcare costs. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this shift by limiting face-to-face care, highlighting the importance of equipping patients with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required for effective self-management. Clear terminology and standardised approaches are essential for enabling the successful implementation of patient selfcare. Products such as Flaminal® (an enzyme alginogel®), with its simplicity and versatility, offers a practical solution that supports patient-led wound care while promoting sustainable healthcare delivery.