Acromegaly Support is an online community resource committed to raising awareness of the early signs and symptoms of Acromegaly.
It is our hope that by joining the global rare diseases community and responding to the voices and needs of patients, families, and clinicians awaiting diagnosis and treatment for their disease that together we can pave the way to improved quality of life for those living with this serious condition.
Visit our resources page for our partnering organizations joined together to combat stigmas surrounding rare diseases, promote early diagnosis, and push for optimal treatment and care for all patients worldwide.
What is Acromegaly?
Acromegaly is a rare disease that develops when a benign tumor grows on the pituitary gland and secretes increased levels of growth hormone (GH) during adulthood. Clinical manifestations of acromegaly can vary, but in general the disease is characterized by somatic overgrowth (often bones in the hands, feet, and face), physical changes, or the presence of other medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Left untreated, acromegaly can cause premature death.
How Family and Friends Can Help Someone with Acromegaly
People with acromegaly have no doubt heard these six words from friends and loved ones many times…well-meaning people who genuinely want to help but don’t know how. If you have acromegaly, you can make these suggestions to those who ask. And if you’re the one reaching out, here are some things to keep in mind when you’re offering your support.
Clinical Trials Part 4 – Reasons People Choose to Participate
Participation in a clinical trial is an extremely personal decision that most people make only after talking it over with their relatives, close friends, and their doctors. There are as many reasons to do it as there are people who ultimately enroll. For many people, one way of arriving at a Yes decision is to remember that the ultimate goal in clinical trials is to improve health outcomes.
Clinical Trials Part 3 – Phases of Clinical Trials
Now that you’re familiar with the types of clinical trials and the words used to describe and classify them, let’s dive into the structure of a drug development program. You can think of it as a pathway, with the ultimate destination being your own medicine cabinet. Every program begins in a lab, where scientists develop and test new ideas.
Clinical Trials Part 2, Who’s Involved and How Are They Designed?
Every trial has a protocol – specific guidelines and procedures that detail what happens during the trial, when, and why. This helps ensure the results are reliable and helps reduce the risk to participants. Not every person with the disease or condition being studied will qualify for the trial.