Every endocrine condition in the GMC Content Map is covered with dedicated SBA questions and full clinical explanations.
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2)
Diagnosis, management, and complications including DKA and HHS.
Thyroid Disorders
Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid eye disease, and thyroid emergencies.
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, and phaeochromocytoma.
Calcium & Bone Metabolism
Hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, hypercalcaemia, and osteoporosis.
Pituitary Gland Disorders
Acromegaly, prolactinoma, diabetes insipidus, and SIADH.
Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome
Assessment, management, and associated endocrine complications.
Reproductive Endocrinology
PCOS, amenorrhea, and other hormonal imbalances affecting reproduction.
Growth Disorders
Assessment and management of growth hormone deficiencies and excesses.
Neuroendocrine Tumours
Overview of common types and their clinical presentations.
Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalances
Endocrine causes and management of sodium, potassium, and water balance issues.
Every endocrinology question explanation references the relevant NICE guideline.
Comprehensive guidance on diagnosis and management of type 2 diabetes.
Recommendations for diagnosing and treating thyroid conditions.
Guidance for managing diabetes during pregnancy.
Clinical guideline on identifying and managing osteoporosis risk.
Understand Core Concepts
Grasp the fundamental physiology and pathophysiology of endocrine glands and hormones.
Master Diabetes Management
Focus on diagnosis, treatment, and emergency management of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, including DKA and HHS.
Learn Thyroid & Adrenal Disorders
Familiarize yourself with common thyroid and adrenal conditions, their presentations, and management strategies.
Review NICE Guidelines
Study the key NICE guidelines relevant to endocrinology, paying attention to diagnostic criteria and treatment algorithms.
Practice Scenario-Based Questions
Work through a variety of single best answer (SBA) questions to apply your knowledge to clinical scenarios.
Endocrinology typically constitutes a significant portion of the PLAB 1 exam, with numerous questions covering various hormonal and metabolic conditions.
High-yield topics include diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and 2), thyroid disorders (hyper/hypothyroidism), adrenal conditions, and calcium metabolism imbalances.
Key NICE guidelines include those on Type 2 diabetes (NG28), thyroid disease (NG145), and diabetes in pregnancy (NG3), among others.
Focus on understanding pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and management plans for common conditions, utilizing practice questions and guideline summaries.
PLAB 1 frequently tests knowledge of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS), and adrenal crisis.