Key points from article :
Recent research from Imperial College London in England reveals that an 800-calorie-a-day “soup and shake” diet could significantly benefit individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The diet includes low-calorie meal replacement products such as soups, milkshakes, and snack bars for three months, followed by a phase where participants reintroduce regular foods with support. This approach has shown impressive results, with nearly one-third of participants achieving remission of their diabetes after a year.
The study, published in the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal, tracked 1,740 individuals who started the diet before January 2022. Among those who completed a full year of the program, 32% managed to put their diabetes into remission, which is determined by average blood glucose levels. Participants experienced an average weight loss of 15.9 kg (35 lbs), with some losing up to 17.4 kg (38 lbs).
The NHS currently offers the program to 10,000 people annually, but due to its success, there are plans to expand it significantly. The goal is to increase the number of participants to 50,000 over the next five years, supported by a £13 million investment this year. This expansion aims to provide more individuals with type 2 diabetes access to the program’s benefits.
Eligibility for the program includes adults aged 18 to 65 who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last six years and meet specific body mass index criteria. Referrals are made through GP practices.
The program's effectiveness in promoting weight loss and diabetes remission highlights its potential as a valuable tool in managing type 2 diabetes and addressing obesity-related health challenges.
