NHS England has said that over 2,000 people with Type 2 diabetes have now improved their health through the NHS soups and shakes diet programme, with participants losing an average of 13kg in three months.
From 1 February, thousands more will also get access to the programme as its early and life-changing success sees it being rolled out in 11 more regions across the country.
Helping people diagnosed with diabetes to lose weight, and make better decisions about their health through the NHS low calorie diet programme, has shown to reduce the need for diabetes-related medication and also help patients potentially achieve remission of their Type 2 diabetes when their levels return to a healthy range.
Diabetes is estimated to cost the NHS £10 billion a year, with treatment making up one in 20 prescriptions written by GPs. Projections also show that with the number of people being treated for diabetes continuing to grow – nearly 39,000 more people could suffer a heart attack in 2035, and over 50,000 could experience a stroke.
The year-long programme, which is fully supported and monitored by expert clinicians and coaches throughout, kickstarts weight loss through low calorie, diet replacement products such as shakes and soups for the first three months. After this, a carefully managed plan reintroduces healthy, nutritious food and participants can track their progress through virtual one-to-ones, group sessions and digital support – to help them maintain a healthier weight.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, said: “The fantastic results our participants have achieved through this programme are really encouraging, and show that real-world experience is in line with what we have found in trials. We know this weight loss will go a long way to help people stay well and avoid preventable illness, and for many will also mean they can put Type 2 diabetes into remission.
“This is also the latest example of the NHS rapidly adopting the latest evidence-based treatments to help people with Type 2 diabetes live well. With research showing that obesity causes more severe illness from Covid-19, as well as other serious diseases, there has never been a more important time to lose weight.”
