NHS England has announced that thousands more people with type 2 diabetes across England will have access to soup and shake diets, with new data revealing that it helps people lose weight.
The programme was first piloted by the NHS in 2020, as part of the Long Term Plan and is now set to expand to patients in every part of the country by March 2024.
Those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the last six years will be eligible.
The latest results from the pilot show that participants lost an average of over 13kg (two stone) in three months, which was also maintained at six months. By the end of the year long programme, people had lost 11kg on average (over 1.5 stone).
The programme uses total diet replacement products such as shakes and soups for the first three months, supported and monitored by expert clinicians and coaches. Then a carefully managed plan reintroduces healthy, nutritious food and participants can track their progress through one-to-ones, group sessions and digital support – to help them maintain a healthier weight.
Research from the Diabetes UK-funded Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) has also shown that losing weight can put type 2 diabetes in remission for at least five years in some people.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity said: “Research is clear that weight loss where indicated goes a long way to helping people stay well and avoiding preventable illness, and in many cases it can be the trigger for putting type 2 diabetes into remission.
“So I am delighted that thousands more people are making use of this programme with thousands more set to benefit across England in the coming year.
“This programme is also the latest example of the NHS effectively deploying evidence-based treatments to help people with type 2 diabetes live well. Obesity is a significant factor and cause of several serious diseases, so the NHS is always here to help people to lose weight when necessary, and live healthier lives.”
