Research has revealed that nearly a third of the people treating their type 2 diabetes with an innovative NHS pogramme were able to completely eradicate their disease. This programme, referred to as a “soup and shake” diet, allows patients to consume 800 calories a day in the form of products like soups, milkshakes, and snack bars. After three months, participants are then guided to reintroduce normal food into their diet.
Currently, the scheme is available to 10,000 people on an annual basis. However, the promising results and significant improvements observed in participants’ health have led NHS leaders to contemplate expanding the programme. Some people who adhered to the diet were able to lose up to an impressive 17.4kg (38lbs) and achieve type 2 diabetes remission, as detailed in a report published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Journal.
The one-year-long programme begins with 12 weeks of the low-calorie, meal replacement diet. Participants are then guided to reintroduce healthy food into their diet. They are further provided personalised support to maintain their weight loss.
NHS England expressed that the research indicated that the number of beneficiaries of its diabetes remission programme could grow significantly. The study analysed data from 1,740 individuals who started the diet before January 2022. Out of this pool, 945 went through the full-length programme, defined as those who registered their weight after the 12-month period and gave blood samples twice.
32% of these individuals succeeded in putting their condition into remission, which is identified by an average blood glucose level over a specific period. Here, the average weight loss was reported to be 15.9kg (35lbs), with some participants even achieving a weight loss of up to 17.4kg (38lbs).
Dr Clare Hambling, NHS England’s national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, commented on the programme’s significant impact on participants’ lives and applauded the surprising findings that a large proportion of those who had completed the programme experienced dramatic weight loss and remission from their type 2 diabetes.
It is widely acknowledged that obesity poses a significant risk to health, particularly in the UK, and represents one of the most pressing and expensive problems for global healthcare. However, the positive results yielded by our initiative demonstrate that dealing with obesity is indeed possible, and we anticipate considering whether to extend this programme in the future. That’s according to Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Research Director at Diabetes UK. The organisation is proud to have contributed to over ten years of research that has pushed the boundaries for those suffering from type 2 diabetes and made the concept of remission a reality.
Since its 2020 inception, more than 25,000 individuals have participated in the initiative. Earlier this year in May, NHS authorities announced that they would extend the diet programme to accommodate 50,000 residents in England over a five-year span, effectively doubling the programme’s capacity. To ensure access for more individuals, officials have allocated £13m to the scheme this year.
The eligibility criteria for the programme are restricted to adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who have received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis in the past six years. Additionally, white participants must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 27, while participants from Black, Asian, or other minority ethnic groups must have a BMI exceeding 25. General practitioner practices handle referral processes.