People looking to have a health kick could reverse their type 2 diabetes diagnosis by going on a new liquid diet supported by the NHS.
The strict 900-calorie-a-day liquid diet is “challenging”, doctors admit, but could stop the disease in its track if followed properly.
People on the ‘soup and shake diet’ diet must spend a few months consuming only shakes, soups and meal-replacement bars, before healthy solid foods are gradually reintroduced over a number of weeks.
A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal revealed that more than 1,000 people took part in a trial to see if the diet could help.
In the findings, a third of people lost more than two-and-a-half stone (16kg) – and managed to medically be classed as putting their diabetes into remission.
The programme is being offered to people around England by GPs. It is different from other weight-management options, such as the weight-loss jab Wegovy.
Here is what you need to know.
What is the diet and how much does it cost?
The diet is a combination of shakes, soups and, eventually, bars. It is 900 calories and mostly liquid and normally followed for a minimum of 12 weeks. The length of time on the diet will depend on the individual and how much weight they need to lose.
Gradually, as blood sugar and weight moves into the ‘normal’ BMI range, food will be reintroduced slowly.
The shake and soup diet programme is fully funded by the NHS, so there is no cost for the individual. They get bespoke diet and exercise advice sessions in person or online, as well as support from their GP.
What do people say about the diet and is it safe?
Diabetes UK said people should be supported to find the approach that is most appropriate for them – whether that involves medication, dietary changes or bariatric surgery.
The NHS say the diet could be “life changing” for those who struggle to manage their diabetes day to day.
Dr Clare Hambling, NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, said: "Obesity is one of the biggest threats to health in the UK and will be one of the biggest and most costly challenges for health systems globally, so seeing such encouraging outcomes from our programme shows that obesity can be tackled head-on.”
What is type 2 diabetes and why can losing weight help?
The NHS says it is condition linked where the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood becomes too high.
It happens when the body cannot make enough of, or cannot correctly use, a hormone called insulin, which controls blood sugar.
Some cases are linked to being overweight.
That is because fat can build up in and around the pancreas – the organ that makes insulin.
Losing weight can reverse the entire process as there will be less pressure on the pancreas.
Who can be considered for the shake and soup diet?
People are eligible if they are:
between 18 and 65
have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the past six years
have a body mass index (BMI) over 27 kg/m2 (if from white ethnic groups) or over 25 kg/m2 (if from black, Asian and other ethnic groups)
People are advised to visit their GP to find out if they could be considered for it.
