A new study published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, has found that one in three people who started the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission programme have put their disease into remission.

The study, ‘Early findings from the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme: a prospective evaluation of real-world implementation’ measured the progress of 1,740 people with Type 2 diabetes who were referred to the programme by their GP.

It found 945 of those who started the year-long low calorie total diet replacement programme before January 2022 achieved remission from their Type 2 diabetes and had an average weight loss of 16kg. Remission from Type 2 diabetes means the person’s blood sugar levels have returned to a safe, non-diabetes level long-term, without the need for glucose-lowering medication.

The  NHS England Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission programme is a joint initiative between Diabetes UK and NHS England. It provides a low-calorie diet and support to people recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who are living with obesity or overweight.  

The programme provides a specially formulated diet for three months followed by personal healthy lifestyle support for another nine months.

Reed Wellbeing provides this programme for NHS England in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent where we are currently working with 143 participants, who collectively average 8.3kg in weight lost per person.

In 2020 Reed Wellbeing ran a Low Calorie Diet pilot programme in South Yorkshire. 683 participants started the programme and had an average weight loss of 10kg. The results of this pilot helped inform the development of the Path to Remission programme.

Nick Hughes, Divisional Director of Reed Wellbeing, said:

We are pleased to see the positive impact the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is having on the lives of participants. The latest findings show that weight loss and Type 2 diabetes remission is achievable. Remission from Type 2 diabetes is a fantastic outcome for anyone looking to improve their health and reduce their risk of long-term complications from the disease.

Rob, who is a participant on the programme with Reed Wellbeing, said:

Since attending the sessions with NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission, I have lost nearly six stone, since I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at the end of last year. I still have a bit to lose, but I look and feel much better, and I have more energy for doing things with my family. The programme has given me a second chance at life. I have seen my dad suffer for many years with diabetes and now I can hopefully stay in remission for as long as possible. The programme has helped me to create a healthy relationship with food, encouraging me to cook more.