This booklet, Managing Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency, has been written by the ADSHG, noting the NICE Guidelines for the identification and management of adrenal insufficiency, and with input and review from our Clinical Advisory Panel. It provides a summary of the key points everyone with adrenal insufficiency needs to know to manage their health; to be aware, be prepared and be understood.

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or have lived with the condition for many years, it’s normal for information to feel overwhelming, and you may still have questions or want a refresher. This booklet can support you at any stage of your journey.

It is particularly helpful for those newly diagnosed and is also an ideal resource for hospitals and endocrinology units to provide to patients with adrenal insufficiency, including Addison’s disease.

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This booklet covers the following:

Be Aware

• What are Addison's and adrenal insufficiency?
• The adrenal glands & affected hormones
• Symptoms
• Adrenal crisis: a life-threatening situation
• Diagnosis
• Treatment and medication
• Emergency injection kit(s)
• Possible side effects to medication
• Additional conditions
• Disability

Be Prepared

• The essentials in managing your condition
• Sick Day Rules
• Monitoring and maintenance
• Quality of Life

Be Understood

• Having a rare condition
• Getting support from the ADSHG - and becoming a member

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The Addison’s Clinical Advisory Panel (ACAP) is a group of endocrinologists with an interest in adrenal medicine. They advise the ADSHG on medical matters and review the information we publish to ensure it is up-to-date and medically accurate.