A pioneering NHS diet program involving a regimen of soups and shakes has demonstrated potential in putting type 2 diabetes into remission and facilitating significant weight loss, according to recent research. The year-long diet plan, combined with lifestyle changes, has proven effective for many participants, with some achieving notable health improvements.
The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, assessed the outcomes of a 12-month intervention designed to enhance the well-being of individuals with type 2 diabetes. The initial phase of the program required participants to substitute regular meals with a low-calorie “meal replacement” diet consisting of soups, shakes, and bars for the first 12 weeks. This was followed by nine months of healthy eating and support for maintaining weight loss.
The findings reveal that nearly one-third of participants experienced remission of their type 2 diabetes. On average, those who completed the program lost 15.9 kilograms, with some individuals shedding up to 17.4 kilograms. This weight reduction and the resulting remission are considered “life-changing,” according to Gloucestershire Live.
Dr. Clare Hambling, National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity at NHS England, emphasized the program’s significant impact. “The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme can profoundly affect participants’ lives,” she stated. “It’s encouraging to see that many who completed the program have experienced substantial weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes.”
Dr. Hambling further highlighted the importance of addressing obesity, a major health challenge in the UK and worldwide. The positive results from the program underscore the potential for tackling obesity effectively, with plans to expand the initiative across England this year, aiming to double its capacity.
The study analyzed data from 7,540 participants in the program from September 2020 to late 2022. Of these, approximately 945 individuals completed the full year of the program and provided blood samples. The research found that 32% of participants achieved remission of their diabetes, with an average weight loss of 15.9 kilograms.
Dr. Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, praised the results, noting, “Diabetes UK is proud to have supported over a decade of research that has advanced the field of type 2 diabetes remission. These findings reinforce the real-world effectiveness of the NHS England Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme and its potential to aid many people in their journey toward remission.”
Since its inception in 2020, the program has enrolled over 25,000 individuals. To expand its reach, officials in England are investing £13 million into the program this year, aiming to offer its benefits to a larger population. The program is available to adults aged 18-65 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the past six years, with eligibility criteria based on body mass index. White participants must have a BMI above 27, while individuals from Black, Asian, or other minority ethnic groups must have a BMI above 25.
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