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We often take modern medicine for granted,but a review of the history of a disease and its treatment can help us put the whole thing in perspective.In this article,we trace the development of understanding about the nature and cause of diabetes and the use of insulin as a key treatment.

Although there are other oral anticoagulation agents available, warfarin is the drug used predominantly in the UK. Warfarin has been in clinical use for over 50 years. It is still referred to by patients as 'rat poison' and,indeed, warfarin derivatives are still used as rodenticides.In this article, we take a look at some of the new oral anticoagulants coming along.

The US National Institute of Health (NIH) has launched an App providing research-based information about the safety and effectiveness of herbal products. HerbList™ provides rigorously researched scientific information to provide consumers and health care practitioners with unbiased information to make informed decisions about supplement use.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects renal drug elimination and other important processes involved in drug disposition, including absorption, drug distribution and non-renal clearance. As a result, the reduced renal excretion of a drug or its metabolites can cause toxicity and the sensitivity to some drugs is increased even if elimination is unimpaired.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects renal drug elimination and other important processes involved in drug disposition, including absorption, drug distribution and non-renal clearance. As a result, the reduced renal excretion of a drug or its metabolites can cause toxicity and the sensitivity to some drugs is increased even if elimination is unimpaired.

Warfarin is highly effective in preventing strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (AF), but has its limitations. Only half of patients who could benefit actually receive warfarin, resulting in an estimated 7000 avoidable strokes each year.

Improving the management and prevention of stroke is a priority for the NHS. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is widely recognised to be a major cause of stroke. Moreover, it is a preventable cause in that the increased risk of stroke associated with AF can be markedly reduced by anticoagulation with warfarin. Yet a substantial number of cases of AF remain undetected and untreated. Of more concern, even after identification of AF, many individuals at high risk of stroke do not receive warfarin. This article reviews the evidence on the importance of AF as a cause of stroke and assesses the benefits of anticoagulation and our reluctance to anticoagulate. Finally, it explores ways of improving on current practice, to increase the proportion of patients with AF receiving anticoagulants.