Postgraduate medical journal
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Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem, accounting for significant premature mortality and morbidity. The growth in prevalence of the condition appears to be closely linked with obesity. ⋯ Vitamin D has important effects on insulin action, and may impact on a number of pathways which may be of importance in the development of type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the evidence linking Vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, and suggests areas for urgent further research to determine whether Vitamin D replacement has a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
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To investigate the role of a nurse-led clinic in the assessment of patients with palpitations. ⋯ For low-risk patients, a nurse-led palpitations clinic may provide a viable alternative to the traditional cardiology outpatient service. Despite attempts to exclude them, some high-risk patients were seen. This was unforeseen and led to a clinically important delay in their appropriate assessment. Hence, before adopting a nurse-led palpitations service, a rigorous pathway for the early assessment of high-risk patients needs to be agreed.