Over 1,500 patients start diabetes remission scheme in East Midlands in past year, double from prior year

NHS England – Midlands has supported a record number of people with type 2 diabetes to sign up to its ‘soups and shakes’ diet programme last year, helping them to lose weight and potentially put their condition into remission.

Over 3,000 people in the region were enrolled onto the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme, also known as the ‘soups and shakes’ diet, in 2024-25 – double the previous year (1,490 in 2023-24) and the highest ever for the Midlands.

In the East Midlands, 1,570 patients started an NHS Type 2 Path to Remission diabetes programme in 2024-25, double that who started the programme in 2023-24. Average weight loss per patient in 2024-25 has been -11% of their total boby weight.

Dr Azhar Farooqi, NHS England – Midlands Regional Clinical Co-Director, Diabetes, said: “This proven NHS diet programme is transforming lives – helping thousands of people to lose weight, and for some people put their type 2 diabetes into remission.”

A recent study into the NHS programme’s effectiveness found that of those who completed the programme – one in three (32%) had put their type 2 diabetes into remission, with an average weight loss in these participants of nearly 16 kilograms.

NHS diabetes experts estimate that hundreds more people who started the programme in 2024-25 will be able to put their condition into remission.

One person whose type 2 diabetes was put into remission by completing the soups and shakes programme is Liam, 52, from Nottingham.

When Liam was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes just a month before joining the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme, he knew something had to change. After a shoulder injury left him less active, and the loss of a loved one, Liam found himself turning to food for comfort during a difficult period. He felt tired, breathless, and unhappy with how he looked. He realised his lifestyle had meant he was already living with the impact of diabetes.

Liam committed himself fully to the programme. The total diet replacement plan gave him structure and clarity. He successfully lost weight in phase 1 and discovered how capable he truly was. Reintroducing food following significant weight loss was challenging, but with his coach, Momenta Support Team and encouragement, he learnt to pause, reflect, and get back on track without judgement.

Through the process, Liam rebuilt more than his diet, he rebuilt confidence and began eating more mindfully. He looked forward to sessions with his coach, where he could speak openly and feel genuinely heard. His coach listened with care, offered thoughtful advice, and encouraged him even when things didn’t go perfectly. Her non-judgemental support helped Liam stay focused and rebuild confidence at his own pace. He began to walk regularly, planned his meals carefully, and stopped eating out of habit. His knees hurt less, eyesight improved, and he could keep up with his family again. Each step reminded him that this was not a quick fix but a lifelong investment in health and happiness.

Liam now weighs 123kg and continues to lose more, feeling determined. He knows the journey isn’t always smooth, but it’s worth every effort. His advice to others is simple: it’s priceless and it is lifesaving.

Liam said: “It’s not just about a diet; it’s saving your life and allowing you to enjoy time with your family.”

The innovative 12-month programme helps kickstart weight loss by providing participants with low calorie, nutritionally complete, total diet replacement products – such as soups, shakes and bars – consisting of 800 to 900 calories a day, for the first 12 weeks.

Participants are then supported by clinicians and coaches to reintroduce healthy, nutritious food into their diet to maintain weight loss; and their progress is monitored. During the programme participants can choose how they are supported through one-to-one in-person sessions or digitally online.

Over 30,000 people in England have started the programme since it was first piloted by NHS England in 2020 and it is now available in every local health area.

Dr Clare Hambling, NHS National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, said: “It is fantastic to see that this proven NHS diet programme is transforming lives – helping thousands of people to lose weight, and for some people put their type 2 diabetes into remission.

“The revolutionary programme can really help turn things around for people with type 2 diabetes who are struggling to manage their weight and health, and alongside the low calorie diets themselves, patients are provided with one-to-one support and guidance to help them sustain a healthy lifestyle for longer.”

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is a joint initiative between NHS England and Diabetes UK. It is based on two large studies which showed that as a result of going on a specially designed programme, people living with type 2 diabetes who were overweight could improve their diabetes control, reduce diabetes-related medication and, in some cases, put their type 2 diabetes into remission.

Colette Marshall, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, said: “For almost two decades, Diabetes UK has proudly spearheaded research that has redefined how type 2 diabetes is treated and managed – turning the possibility of remission into reality for some.

“Remission can transform lives, offering people with a recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes a better chance of a healthier future, helping them live well and reduce the risk of devastating diabetes-related complications. We’re delighted that tens of thousands of people have now benefitted from the NHSE Path to Remission programme, inspired by Diabetes UK’s landmark DiRECT trial.

“Putting type 2 diabetes into remission can be challenging and staying there even more so. That’s why we’re committed to funding research to understand how to best to support people on their weight loss and remission journey.”

Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and is a major contributor to kidney failure, lower limb amputation, heart attack, stroke and some cancers.

People can benefit from the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme if they meet the eligibility criteria and their GP or diabetes team considers the programme would be suitable for them. To be eligible a person must have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last six years and have a BMI over 27 kg/m2 or over 25 kg/m2 (for people from Black, Asian and other ethnic groups). Individuals who are interested in joining the programme can discuss their individual circumstances with their GP or diabetes team at their next appointment to find out whether it is suitable for them.

More information on the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is available here.