Record Numbers in East Midlands Reverse Type 2 Diabetes with NHS ‘Soups and Shakes’ Program
More than 6,000 people across the East Midlands living with type 2 diabetes have had the condition put into remission thanks to a groundbreaking NHS programme offering low-calorie, total diet replacement products – often referred to as “soups and shakes.” NHS England data released November 8, 2023, reveals a significant surge in successful outcomes, demonstrating the potential of this innovative approach to tackle the growing health crisis.
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can led to heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. The NHS’s Low-Calorie Diet (LCD) programme provides carefully monitored support, including medically supervised replacement of conventional food with specially formulated soups and shakes for 12 weeks, followed by a gradual reintroduction of food. This intensive early phase is designed to rapidly lower blood sugar levels and reduce reliance on medication. The East Midlands success is part of a wider national rollout, aiming to put tens of thousands more patients on the path to remission.
The programme, available to adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last six years, has seen notably strong results in areas like Leicester, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire. According to NHS England, over half of participants achieve remission after one year, meaning they no longer require diabetes medication and have blood sugar levels within a normal range.
“This is a game-changer for people living with type 2 diabetes,” said Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity. “Putting type 2 diabetes into remission is not just about taking medication off; it’s about giving people their lives back.”
The initiative is part of the NHS’s wider commitment to preventing and managing obesity and type 2 diabetes, which costs the health service an estimated £10 billion a year. NHS England plans to expand the LCD programme further, making it available to even more eligible patients across the country. Individuals interested in learning more about the programme should discuss it with their GP.
