A new NHS diet is helping patients in Cheshire and Merseyside lose 10 percent of their body weight and put their type 2 diabetes into remission.

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission (T2DR) Programme offers a 'soups and shakes' diet replacement treatment for people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight.

This programme, commissioned by NHS England and delivered by Momenta Newcastle in Cheshire and Merseyside, provides participants with low-calorie products consisting of 800 to 900 kilocalories a day for 12 weeks.

The products replace all normal meals.

Participants are also given support and monitoring for 12 months, which includes assistance in reintroducing regular food after the initial 12-week diet.

Early trials found that this approach helped almost half of the participants put their type 2 diabetes into remission.

Patients also lost over 10kg in weight on average, improved their blood sugar levels, and reduced their use of diabetes-related medication.

The T2DR Programme, which began in April 2024, has seen more than 134 referrals in Cheshire and Merseyside in its first five months – exceeding an initial target of 105 referrals for this period.

Work is now underway to increase the number of places available in the region due to the high demand for the programme.

Professor Rowan Pritchard Jones, medical director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: "There is a strong association between obesity and type 2 diabetes, and the risk and severity of type 2 diabetes increases with body mass index (BMI).

"That's why it's great to see so many people take advantage of the scheme, as evidence shows that a specially formulated diet coupled with healthy lifestyle support can have remarkable results for patients.

"The strict nature of the diet and level of commitment required means that the programme will not be suitable for everyone with type 2 diabetes.

"Your GP or the team providing your care will support you to find the best approach for you, whether that be healthier eating, more exercise, medication or surgery."

To be eligible for the T2DR Programme, individuals must be aged 18 to 65 years, have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes within the last six years, and have a BMI over 27 kg/m2 (or over 25 kg/m2 for Black, Asian and other ethnic groups).

Those interested in joining should consult their GP or care team.