Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by regional pain at multiple sites, non-restorative sleep and fatigue. In the UK, it is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain and significant disability, affecting around 2% of the population. It has a female preponderance with a female to male ratio of 7:1. Self-help strategies are important. There is strong evidence of benefit from a slow graded increase in daily aerobic exercise which can increase delta sleep and restore descending pain inhibition mechanisms. Sleep hygiene should also be considered to promote delta sleep.

Compared with those who have completed university education, university students are more than twice as likely to commit suicide, a Swedish study has found.

• Pityriasis rosea • Discoid lupus erythematosus • Lichen planus • Seborrhoeic dermatitis • Tinea corporis • Plaque psoriasis

• Dermatitis artefacta • Alopecia mucinosa • Lichen planopilaris • Discoid lupus erythematosus • Sebaceous naevus • Basal cell carcinoma

A study of patients with type 1 diabetes has shown an association between impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia and cognitive deficits such as diminished learning, memory and pattern separation. This study compared cognitive function in type 1 diabetes patients who had normal awareness of hypoglycaemia with patients who had impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia. The study authors state: ‘It is possible that people with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia have a diminished ability to distinguish cues that are specifically associated with hypoglycaemia and hence are unable to take appropriate action to avoid severe hypoglycaemia.'

Achieving and maintaining glycaemic targets early on in type 2 diabetes has been shown to improve long-term outcomes. Delay in stepping up treatment, especially initiating insulin therapy is known to be a problem in primary care. A primary care study from Australia, in which practice nurses were trained to have an enhanced role, has shown improved rates of safe and effective insulin initiation compared with usual care.

Ask ten thousand people which they think is the riskiest – surgery or general practice – and the only ones who will answer general practice will be surgeons or GPs. To the vast majority of the population, the drama of surgery looks horrifically risky. The drama of general practice may not be as great as it is for those who skilfully wield a scalpel while working medical and surgical miracles. However, a life that is saved by early diagnosis is just as much a life as one that is rescued from a life-threatening event.