People with type 2 diabetes are being invited to join an innovative programme to treat the condition. The “Path to Remission” plan is a 12-month, evidence-based programme to support people with Type 2 diabetes to lose weight and better control their blood sugar levels. This reduces the need for diabetes-related medication and potentially achieving remission of their diabetes, meaning that they no longer have the condition.
The year-long programme, which is fully supported and monitored by expert clinicians and coaches throughout, kickstarts weight loss using diet replacement products including soups and shakes totalling 900 calories a day for up to 12 weeks. After this, a carefully managed plan reintroduces healthy, nutritious food and participants can track their progress through virtual one-to-ones, group sessions or digital support – to help them maintain a healthier weight.
More than 2,000 people across England have taken part in the programme so far, and it is now available in Hertfordshire and west Essex. To date, people taking part lose an average of about 10kg (22 pounds) by the end of 12 months, and have lower blood sugar, meaning less reliance on diabetes medication. The whole programme, including the meal replacements and support, is free to the people taking part.
The programme is for adults up to the age of 65 who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the last six years, and have a BMI of 27 or above, or 25 and above if from an ethnic minority background. It is delivered by the NHS in partnership with Oviva. Anyone wishing to take part should talk to their GP.
Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive of NHS Hertfordshire and west Essex ICB, said: “this is an exciting programme that is proven to work for those who commit to it. It shows that it is possible to take on type 2 diabetes, to lose weight and even to no longer be diabetic. It’s a challenge worth taking on.”
Richard Hammond, who works for the NHS, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2018. He has been on the programme since March, and in that time, he has lost nearly 60 pounds (27kg). His blood pressure and cholesterol are both lower and following his doctor’s advice he no longer needs to take diabetes medication. Richard says: “This is an excellent programme. It gives you the tools and support to change your habits, and it’s given me the inspiration to control my diabetes. I feel better, have more energy and it’s easier to get some exercise. I only wish it had been around when I was first diagnosed!”
Earlier this year HWE ICB worked with local filmmaker Monir Ali to release a series of videos showing how changes to diet and exercise can help people control their type 2 diabetes. More information on these is available here.