The NHS is launching a 'Soup and Shake' diet in a bid to tackle diabetes.
This comes after a study where more than 2,000 patients with Type 2 diabetes took part in the NHS soups and shakes diet programme.
As a result of following it, they each lost 7.2kg (1st 1lb) on average after one month and 13.4kg (2st 1lb) after three months.
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A similar campaign was rolled out in Scotland back in 2020 where a diet of porridge and lentils were suggested to people with diabetes to help curb the amount of Scots being diagnosed with the condition.
Experts said that the simple, cheap diet based on traditional Scottish staples could reverse the effects of type 2 diabetes.
In Fife, a new project has been launched to tackle the rise in the condition in the area.
‘Walk away from Type 2 Diabetes’ is a new campaign being launched to help raise awareness and promote the support that is already available to the public in Fife.
A Scottish Government spokesperson told EdinburghLive: “Diet replacement with shakes and soups is already a feature of weight management in Scotland and has been for some time. It is helping people in Scotland recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to lose weight and make positive changes to their diet and lifestyle, supporting them to achieve remission.
“The Scottish Government’s 2018 Framework for the Prevention, Early Detection and Early Intervention of Type 2 Diabetes includes a specific evidence based dietetic led remission intervention, Counterweight Plus.
“This is a two year programme of diet replacement with shakes and soups, followed by careful healthy food reintroduction and long term maintenance led by specialist Weight Management dieticians.”
In England, the diet is now being rolled out across a number of regions and those with type 2 diabetes can have access to this diet for free through their GP.
The plan runs for three months and they receive support from clinicians and coaches through the process.
After three months, people are given a programme that reintroduces healthy, nutritious food.
The scheme also includes virtual one-to-ones, online help and groups.
The diet is open to people aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the last six years and with a body mass index (BMI) over 27 (or over 25 in people of Black, Asian or minority ethnic origin).
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, said: “The fantastic results our participants have achieved through this programme are really encouraging, and show that real-world experience is in line with what we have found in trials.
“We know this weight loss will go a long way to help people stay well and avoid preventable illness, and for many will also mean they can put Type 2 diabetes into remission.
“This is also the latest example of the NHS rapidly adopting the latest evidence-based treatments to help people with Type 2 diabetes live well.
“With research showing that obesity causes more severe illness from Covid-19, as well as other serious diseases, there has never been a more important time to lose weight.”
