People can reverse their type 2 diabetes by adhering to a rigorous 900-calorie-a-day liquid diet provided by the NHS.
This diet, while effective, is challenging, requiring participants to consume only shakes, soups, and meal-replacement bars for several months before gradually reintroducing healthy solid foods.
Research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal revealed that out of thousands invited, hundreds completed the year-long programme.
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A third of these individuals lost nearly 16 kg (two-and-a-half stone) and successfully put their diabetes into remission.
This programme is available across England and is distinct from the weight loss jab Wegovy, which will be offered by certain specialist NHS weight-loss management services. Diabetes UK emphasizes the importance of supporting individuals in finding the most suitable approach for them, which could include medication, dietary changes, or bariatric surgery.
The NHS fully funds the shake and soup diet programme, making it free for participants. It includes personalized diet and exercise advice, available in person or online, along with GP support. Experts note that while the programme can be life-changing, adherence is crucial.
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, stated: “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, so seeing such encouraging outcomes from our programme shows that obesity can be tackled head-on.”
Eligibility criteria for the programme include:
- Age between 18 and 65
- Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes within the last six years
- Body mass index (BMI) over 27 kg/m2 for white ethnic groups or over 25 kg/m2 for black, Asian, and other ethnic groups
Only follow a very low-calorie diet if recommended by a doctor.
Marie Laing from Frome, Somerset, shared that she lost more than three stone on the NHS soup and shake diet.
She explained: “The GP suggested I try this after I’d tried other things myself and hadn’t succeeded, and I’m really grateful. This remission programme isn’t a diet – it’s a lifestyle change. Learning about your body, how food impacts you, why you crave food, how you should exercise… and it isn’t stopping you having anything. 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 added that while the process is not easy, the results are worth it for regaining one’s life.
Another participant, Juliet, said: “During the total diet replacement phase, I expected to feel hungry but I didn’t and the products actually kept me going. I enjoyed most of them too – although my particular favourites were the red Thai soup and shepherd’s pie.”
Dr. Nerys Astbury, associate professor of diet and obesity at the University of Oxford, noted: “We don’t know how long the remission will last, or how achieving remission can affect the risk of developing diabetes in the future. But we do know that losing weight has huge health benefits in all groups, particularly people living with type 2 diabetes.”
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where blood sugar levels become too high because the body either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. This condition is often linked to being overweight, as fat can accumulate in and around the pancreas, the organ responsible for insulin production. Losing weight can reverse this process. In contrast, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that is not associated with being overweight.
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