A groundbreaking NHS programme involving a stringent “soup and shakes” diet has demonstrated remarkable results in reversing type 2 diabetes. The diet, which restricts patients to around 800 calories a day for three months, has led to nearly one in three participants achieving remission within a year. These findings, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, provide “real-world evidence” of the diet’s effectiveness.
Study Overview
Researchers tracked over 1,700 NHS patients who embarked on this low-calorie diet regime between September 2020 and the end of 2022. The diet consists of 12 weeks of low-calorie, nutritionally complete, total diet replacement products, such as soups, shakes, and bars. Following this initial phase, participants reintroduce healthy, nutritious foods, with ongoing coaching and progress monitoring.
Key Outcomes:
Remission Rates: 32% of those who completed the programme achieved remission within a year.
Weight Loss: Participants who completed the programme lost an average of more than a stone and a half (approximately 10kg).
Completion Rates: Over half of those referred to the programme stuck with it for the full year, with 945 out of 1,710 completing it.
National Rollout and Future Plans
The programme is now being expanded nationwide, following initial smaller clinical trials that showed a 46% remission rate. Future research suggests that one in four participants might remain in remission five years later. More than 10,000 people will be offered the diet over the next year, with plans to expand access to up to 50,000 people by 2029.
Eligibility and Criteria
The programme targets individuals aged 18-65 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last six years and a BMI of at least 27 kg/m² (or 25 kg/m² for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups). Since its inception, over 25,000 people have been offered the programme.
Expert Insights and Reactions
Dr. Clare Hambling, NHS National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity: “The programme can have a huge impact on participants’ lives, offering major weight loss and type 2 diabetes remission. This shows that obesity, a significant health threat in the UK, can be effectively tackled.”
Dr. Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK: “These findings provide real-world evidence that the NHS programme can help thousands on their weight loss and remission journey. We hope to see more people benefiting from it, especially those recently diagnosed and younger individuals where the impact is greatest.”
Prof. Calum Sutherland, University of Dundee: “This regime has achieved the most impressive level of remission seen by any health intervention in the general population, significantly reducing weight, improving glucose control, and eliminating the need for medications in one-third of participants.”
Dr. Nerys Astbury, University of Oxford: “The new results replicate clinical trial findings, showing that low-energy total diet replacement programmes can help people lose substantial weight and achieve type 2 diabetes remission. However, the long-term effects on diabetes risk and remission duration remain unknown.”
Broader Implications
This diet programme represents a significant step forward in the fight against type 2 diabetes. Beyond individual health benefits, it offers potential cost savings for the NHS, which currently allocates around 10% of its budget to diabetes management. Implementing research findings into routine healthcare can lead to genuine and tangible health benefits for patients.
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