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Type 2 Diabetes REMISSION

Type 2 diabetes no longer needs to be thought of as a lifelong condition. Research shows that losing 10-15kg, particularly in the first few years after diagnosis, can help many people reverse it. The NHS Tayside diabetes remission programme is here to help you on that journey. Find out more below.
Enrol in the Programme

Why weight loss is important for remission

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What is Type 2 diabetes remission?
Remission means getting your average blood sugar level (HbA1c) below the diabetes range without needing diabetes medication.

How does weight loss help?
Losing weight reduces excess fat in the liver and pancreas. This allows these organs to work more effectively and improve your body's ability to control blood sugar.

Why does weight affect people differently?
We all differ in how much fat we can safely store before it builds up in the liver and pancreas. This is called your personal fat threshold and explains why people develop diabetes at different body weights.

Why is it called "remission" rather than "cure"?
Remission does not mean that diabetes has gone permanently. Blood sugar levels can rise again if weight is regained, so keeping the weight off is key.

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Type 2 diabetes is serious. On average, it shortens lives by 5 years. People diagnosed under 40 can lose up to 15 years.

You might feel okay just now, but diabetes can cause serious health problems over time. The good news is, you can reverse it!
Losing weight can put your diabetes into remission and help you live a longer, healthier and happier life.

Remission can lower your risk of serious health problems and help you stop medications.
Watch this video to learn more about the role of weight loss in diabetes remission.

About the programme

The programme aims to help you lose weight, reduce medications and achieve remission

who can join?

To join the programme, you must:
  • Be 18-65 years old
  • Have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the last 3 years
  • Have a HbA1c result of 48 or higher, or 43 or higher if taking diabetes medication
  • Be ready to lose weight using a meal replacement plan
  • Be willing to attend fortnightly appointments
  • Be registered with a GP practice in Angus, Dundee, or Perth and Kinross

How the programme works

This 6-month programme combines a proven diet plan with medical monitoring and group support.

Phase 1: Losing weight - the first 3 months
You'll replace your usual food with nutritionally complete soups, shakes and bars, providing 800-900 calories per day. We call this a Total Diet Replacement. It can help you lose around 15kg (2 and a half stone) or more, giving you the best chance of putting your diabetes into remission. 

Phase 2: Building habits to keep the weight off - the next 3 months
You'll gradually move from soups, shakes and bars back to everyday food, adding one calorie-controlled meal at a time. We'll guide you through each step, and our fortnightly groups will help you to stay on track, manage challenges and maintain your weight loss for the long-term. 

How and where it Runs

Groups sessions: The programme is delivered in groups of around 15 people, led by dietitians and psychologists.

Why groups? Groups offer shared experience and encouragement from people with similar goals.

Online and in person: Most sessions are held online using the NHS Near Me video platform, so you can join from home. Three sessions take place at Dundee's Wellgate Library, giving you the opportunity to meet your group face to face.

What if a group isn't suitable for me? If personal circumstances make group sessions difficult, please contact us. Other options may be available, including a national NHS remission programme offering remote, one-to-one support.

IS A TOTAL DIET REPLACEMENT plan FOR ME?

Trying to lose weight through healthy eating can be tough because of the daily decisions about what and how much to eat. A Total Diet Replacement plan can make this simpler, but it won't suit everyone.
Here are 3 questions to consider:
1. Am I ready for this? You’ll replace all your usual food with soups, shakes and bars for 12 weeks. This takes commitment, although many people find it easier than expected once they get started. Think about why remission matters to you and what you hope to gain from the programme.

2. Who can support me? Food is an important part of family and social life, so the plan may affect some of your usual routines. Talking to family and friends beforehand can help them understand what you’re doing and how they can support you.

3. Am I ready to make lasting changes? Losing weight is the first step; keeping it off is the longer-term challenge. The second half of the programme will help you build sustainable eating and activity routines, prepare for difficult situations and develop the skills to maintain your progress.

Programme Benefits

50%
achieve diabetes remission by 3 months
15kg
Average weight loss (13% body weight)
95%
of people would recommend the programme
£0
Available though NHS Tayside at no cost to you
"
"Such a life changing experience! Although the start seems daunting, the support and continual communication was fantastic. The first 12 weeks will fly past and food reintroduction will be the start of an even better you. You will love the end results. After 12 months, I am in remission!"
Lucy
, Age 
39
Programme:  
Type 2 Diabetes Remission

MEET THE TEAM

Our team brings together expertise in diabetes, nutrition and psychology to provide safe, evidence-based support.
GT
Dr. George Thom
Remission Programme Manager
Dr. Thom was part of a major study that showed it's possible to reverse Type 2 diabetes by losing weight. He makes sure our programme uses the latest research and best practices.
GT
Dr. Gavin Taylor
GP Medical Advisor
Dr. Taylor is our medical advisor. He guides the team on changes to medications to make sure the programme is safe.
R&J
Reece Leitch & Jed Davidson
Dietitians
Reece and Jed will give you expert advice and support on weight management and diabetes remission. They'll also keep a close eye on your blood sugars and blood pressure.
HD
Dr. Hannah Dale
Health Psychologist
Hannah will support you to develop practical strategies to make lifestyle changes, overcome challenges, and build the confidence needed to create sustainable, healthy habits.
ADMIN
Susan King, Linda Scott & Lorna Murray
Administrative Team
Our admin team works hard behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly for you.

PROGRAMME TIMELINE

Find out more about what to expect during the programme.

Initial Appointment

Once your self-referral has been accepted, the next step is to have an initial 1:1 appointment. We’ll discuss how the programme works, review your health and medications to make sure you can take part safely, and help you prepare for getting started.


We’ll discuss available group dates and arrange any equipment you need to monitor your blood sugars and blood pressure. You’ll also receive meal-replacement samples to help you choose your preferred flavours.

Phase 1: Losing weight

Months 1-3

You’ll replace your usual food with nutritionally complete soups, shakes and bars, providing 800–900 calories per day. The aim is to lose around 15 kg or 15% of your body weight, giving you the best chance of remission. Your diabetes and blood pressure medications will usually be adjusted or stopped from the start, and you’ll share regular home readings with the team. 


Fortnightly groups are mostly online, with in-person sessions at the beginning and end to meet your group and check your weight, HbA1c and blood pressure.

Phase 2: Building habits to keep the weight off

Months 4-6

You’ll gradually move from soups, shakes and bars back to everyday food, adding one calorie-controlled meal at a time. We’ll provide guidance on sustainable eating patterns and help you consider what may suit you.


Fortnightly group sessions will help you build lasting routines, become more active where possible and manage challenges that could affect your weight.

Completing the programme

Month 6

The programme ends with an in-person session to take your final measurements, review your progress and celebrate your achievements.
Click the button below to enrol in the programme.
Enrol in the Programme

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about our Type 2 diabetes remission programme

Diabetes medication is usually stopped on day 1 of the low calorie diet (not before this point). Blood pressure medications also need to be reduced if you are taking these. We will work with you and your GP/nurse to adjust your medications, ensure your safety and monitor your progress.

Self-refer using the link above!

Thousands of people in the UK have been successful using this approach. In the first few days some people feel hungry and find it difficult, but once the diet is underway hunger is not usually a problem, which may come as a surprise. This is because after 2-3 days of low calorie intake, the body uses stored body fat for energy (to make up for the short fall in calorie intake). When the body is using fat for energy, something called ‘ketones’ are produced. Ketones act to suppress appetite by reducing the hunger hormone ghrelin.

During the early days of the low calorie diet, headache and fatigue are not unusual, but settle down after a few days. Constipation is quite common but avoidable. We advise all participants to take Fybogel (a fibre supplement) from the beginning of Total Diet Replacement and this can be purchased from chemists or supermarkets, or arranged through your GP practice.

Intense exercise is best avoided during this time as it can stimulate appetite and increase desire to eat. A sensible walking programme or maintaining usual light activity levels during this stage is advised. Physical activity is introduced and discussed in the next stage of the programme.

Planned breaks can be taken for special occasions or significant change in circumstance. However, these can break momentum and ideally should be kept to a minimum.

If you do regain weight, a short period of Total Diet Replacement can be offered.

This programme is not for everyone. It is worth discussing with family, friends and health care providers but only you can decide whether this is the right type of weight management programme for you. Some people cannot tolerate the Total Diet Replacement due to taste or texture.

The Total Diet Replacement products are Kosher and Halal certified. Products are not suitable for people following a lactose free diet, and there is only a limited range of flavours that are vegan friendly. All products may contain gluten through cross-contamination.

Your GP will be aware of the remission programme and would be kept informed of your progress.

Yes – aim to lose 10-15kg using the approach most agreeable to you. Before starting, it is essential that you discuss your plans with your healthcare professional, particularly if you are taking medication for diabetes and/or blood pressure as these may need to be adjusted to keep you safe. If you plan to use a Total Diet Replacement, there are many products on the market. Be aware that not all are suitable.

No. Dietary weight loss by any means is successful, but it is most easily achieved by a Total diet Replacement (shakes/soups) of around 800-900 calories per day followed by sustained sensible dietary habits. Research suggests that traditional weight loss diets are unsuccessful for most people to achieve the 10-15kg weight loss required for remission of Type 2 diabetes. Individual preferences are important though, so choose what works best for you to lose the weight.

The time it takes to lose the weight is unimportant, but losing weight rapidly using a strict approach is often easier and more successful than a long drawn out effort.