NHS diet reverses type 2 diabetes

New research suggests a NHS diet programme can help people reverse type 2 diabetes by adhering to a strict 900-calorie-a-day liquid diet.

According to findings published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, hundreds of participants completed the year-long programme out of thousands who were invited. Remarkably, one-third of them lost nearly two-and-a-half stone (16kg) and put their diabetes into remission.

Participants must consume only shakes, soups, and meal-replacement bars for several months before gradually reintroducing healthy solid foods.

This programme, separate from the weight loss jab Wegovy, is available across England. Diabetes UK emphasises that people should receive support to find the most suitable approach for them, whether it involves medication, dietary changes, or bariatric surgery.

The NHS fully funds the shake and soup diet programme, meaning there is no cost to participants. They receive personalised diet and exercise advice both in person and online, as well as support from their GP. Experts highlight the potential life-changing benefits of the programme for those who can adhere to it.

Unmanaged diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including damage to the eyes and nerves. Dr. Clare Hambling, NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, said: "Obesity is one of the biggest threats to health in the UK and will be one of the biggest and most costly challenges for health systems globally. Seeing such encouraging outcomes from our programme shows that obesity can be tackled head-on."

Marie Laing, a participant from Frome, Somerset, shared her experience with BBC News, revealing she lost over three stone on the NHS soup and shake diet. She described the programme as a lifestyle change, emphasising the educational aspect regarding body function, food impact, and exercise. "It's improved my exercise and being able to be with my children and family, and being out and about and doing things that I love," she said.