Thousands more Brits to get access to free NHS diet that ‘slashes risk of type 2 diabetes’

A SOUP and shakes diet will be rolled out to patients across England by March next year.

Thousands of adults with type 2 diabetes will be invited on to the programme, which sees meals substituted for the low-calorie liquid options.

Studies show it helped them lose an average of two stone (13kg) in three months after it was first piloted in 2020.

It is already available in 21 parts of the country.

Professor Jonathan Valabhji, of the NHS, said: “I am delighted that thousands more are set to benefit from this programme across England in the coming year.

“Research is clear that weight loss where indicated goes a long way to helping people stay well and avoiding preventable illness.

“In many cases it can be the trigger for putting type 2 diabetes into remission.”

More than 5million Brits are thought to be living with diabetes, with cases doubling in the last 15 years.

The NHS spends at least £10billion a year on the disease — around 10 per cent of its entire budget.

It causes blood sugar levels to become too high and can lead to heart disease and stroke over time.

The soup and shakes diet cuts food intake to just 800 calories a day for the first three months, with support from doctors and nutritionists.

Healthy foods are then added back into meals, with participants tracking progress in one-to-ones as well as group sessions to help them maintain a healthier weight.

By the end of the year-long programme, trial results showed people lose an average of 11kg, with 36 per cent going into remission after two years.

Chris Askew OBE, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said the charity is “thrilled” the programme is being rolled out across England.

He said: “Remission from type 2 diabetes can be life-changing but we know weight loss is really hard and getting the right support is critical. 

“For those who aren’t able to go into remission, losing weight can still lead to major health benefits.

“These include improved blood sugar levels, and reduced risk of serious diabetes complications such as heart attack and stroke.”