The Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme was originally piloted across the Midlands back in 2020 and due to the programme’s success from April 2024 the programme will be rolled out across all areas in England.

Since the programme’s introduction across the Midlands almost 1,300 people in the East Midlands have started the programme (figures are the amount of people starting the programme from 2020 until February 2024).

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is a joint initiative between NHS England and Diabetes UK providing a low calorie, total diet replacement treatment for people who are living with type 2 diabetes and obesity or overweight.

The programme, previously referred to as the NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme, is based on research showing that a 3-month specially formulated ‘soup and shake’ diet followed by healthy lifestyle support helped people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity or overweight to lose over 10kg (1st  5lbs) in weight, improve their blood glucose levels, reduce diabetes-related medication and, in almost half of participants, put their type 2 diabetes into remission.

The programme is being offered to eligible people who meet the set criteria:

• be aged 18 – 65 years,
• have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes within the last 6 years, and
• have a BMI over 27 kg/m² (where individuals are from White ethnic groups) or over 25 kg/m2 (where individuals are from Black, Asian and other ethnic groups)

Tracey, from Derbyshire, started her journey on the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme in February 2023.

About the programme Tracey, said: “Before I started the programme I had just come out of a divorce and was in survival mode. I wasn’t exercising, had no energy, and weighed 116kg (26st 1lb). During my diabetes appointment my nurse told me about the programme, and I decided to go for it, it was time to sort myself out and I didn’t want to be on medication anymore.

“To start off with it was hard, but I have felt very supported all the way through. I didn’t realise that the programme would result in my lifestyle changing as much as it has. At first, I thought it was just a 12 week-diet, but the sessions, which are spread out across the year, helped me to recognise some habits and behaviours that needed changing. For example, I don’t drink as much alcohol as I used to, and I don’t eat takeouts anymore – I prefer to cook fresh meals. I’ve cleaned up my environment and don’t have unhealthy, processed food in my house anymore.

“I love to go out with my friends, and it was important to me to continue my social life all the way through the programme. If we went out for a meal, I had my shake beforehand, so I wasn’t tempted to eat; if we went out to party, then I was the designated driver which helped me to not drink. My friends and family were also very supportive.

“I’ve lost 33kg (5st 2lbs), my dress size has gone from 24 to 14/16, I’m no longer on glucose lowering medication and my HbA1c is 39mmol/mol. The programme has completely and utterly changed everything for me, and people can’t believe the transformation. I have more confidence and the most rewarding change is how much more energy I have for my grandchildren. I’m also going to the gym 4 times a week and I’ve even started running on the treadmill. From previously having done no exercise, this is a big deal for me. I’m still losing weight and I feel great.”

Professor Azhar Farooqi, Co-Clinical Director – Diabetes for the Midlands Cardiovascular Disease and Respiratory Network in the East Midlands, said:

“When the Midlands was picked to run the pilot of the programme in 2020, we were really excited as it gave our patients the opportunity to participate in an evidence-based intervention aimed at reversing diabetes and sustained weight loss.

“Since then, almost 1,300 people have started the programme in the East Midlands which is fantastic and of course the success of the programme means further roll out and is now available to eligible patients across the whole of England from April 2024.

“This is such a great chance for people to take control of their health and to put their type 2 diabetes into remission.”

Peter Shorrick, Head of Midlands and East at Diabetes UK said: “Remission offers many people living with type 2 diabetes hope for a future without diabetes medication and less chance of developing serious problems with their eyes, feet, or heart. People in remission say it’s life changing and we funded research that shows that this programme works. Our aim is to support people to go on the Path to Remission Programme and achieve results safely, complementing it with our advice on a range of issues from maintaining a healthy diet, to exercise, mental health and the importance of peer-to-peer support to provide a holistic approach.”

If you meet the above criteria, contact your GP practice about the programme and for more information. People who are not eligible for the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme should discuss their individual circumstances and services that are available to them locally with their GP or diabetes team at their next appointment.

For more information, please visit the NHS England website here.