The NHS supported a record number of people with type 2 diabetes to sign up to its “soups and shakes” diet programme in 2024–25, helping many to lose weight and some to put their condition into remission.
Over 13,000 people were enrolled onto the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme in 2024–25 — almost double the 6,401 who joined in 2023–24 and the highest number yet.
NHS England’s Lead Diabetes Doctor said the 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 evaluating the programme found that among those who completed it, one in three (32%) had put their type 2 diabetes into remission. Participants who achieved remission lost an average of nearly 16 kilograms.
NHS diabetes experts estimate hundreds more people who started the programme in 2024–25 will be able to achieve remission as they complete the pathway.
Case study: Richard Seal, 62, from the Midlands and a Regional Chief Pharmacist for the NHS, put his type 2 diabetes into remission after completing the programme. He said he was invited to join after blood tests showed he had moved from pre-diabetes to diabetes. He was supplied with a box of soups and shakes, instructions, and weekly monitoring tools including finger-prick blood sugar tests, weight and activity tracking. A lifestyle coach provided weekly one-to-one support and a social media forum allowed participants to share experiences.
“After just 3 months on the programme, my heart rate, blood pressure readings, cholesterol, and glucose levels were all back to normal,” Richard said. “I lost over 4 and a half stone and 8 inches from my waist during the programme, and I have managed to control my weight since. If I am ever asked whether I would recommend this programme to others, the answer is a definite yes!”
Programme details: The 12-month intervention starts with a low-calorie, nutritionally complete total diet replacement for the first 12 weeks, using soups, shakes and bars providing around 800–900 calories a day to kickstart weight loss. After the initial phase, clinicians and coaches support participants to reintroduce healthy, nutritious food to maintain weight loss, and progress is monitored. Support is available through in-person one-to-one sessions or digitally online.
Since its pilot by NHS England in 2020, over 30,000 people have started the programme 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 1-to-1 support and guidance to help them sustain a healthy lifestyle for longer.”
The programme is a joint initiative between NHS England and Diabetes UK and is based on two large studies showing that people with overweight and recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes can improve diabetes control, reduce diabetes-related medication and, in some cases, achieve remission.
Colette Marshall, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, said: “For almost 2 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 NHS England 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 contributes to kidney failure, lower limb amputation, heart attack, stroke and some cancers.
Eligibility: 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 appropriate. 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 specified ethnic groups. Those interested can discuss suitability with their GP or diabetes team.
Health Minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: “This programme is a brilliant example of this government and the NHS helping people take control of their health and prevent serious illness. Supporting thousands of people to lose weight and potentially put their type 2 diabetes into remission is exactly the kind of innovative approach we want to see across the health service. This is our 10 Year Health Plan’s shift from treatment to prevention in action, and we’re determined to make sure even more people can access support like this in the years ahead.”
More information on the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is available on the NHS England website.
