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Type 2 Diabetes REMISSION

Type 2 diabetes does not have to be lifelong. Losing 10-15kg soon after diagnosis can help many people reverse it, reducing their risk of future health problems and need for medication. The NHS Tayside Diabetes Remission Programme can support you to achieve this. 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 (less than 48 mmol/mol) without needing diabetes medication.

How does weight loss help?
Losing weight reduces 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.

About the programme

who can join?

To join the programme, you must:
  • Be 18-65 years old
  • Have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the last 4 years
  • Have a HbA1c result of 48 or higher, or 43 or higher if taking diabetes medication
  • Be ready to lose weight using meal replacements
  • Be able to attend fortnightly groups for 6 months
  • Be registered with a GP practice in Dundee, Angus or Perth & Kinross
Diagnosed 4–6 years ago? You may be eligible for a national NHS remission programme offering remote, one-to-one support. Please use the self-referral form below and we will assess your suitability and contact you about the next steps.

How the programme works

This proven 6-month programme combines diet, medical monitoring and regular group support.

Phase 1: Lose weight and aim for remission — the first 3 months
You'll replace your usual food with nutritionally complete soups, shakes and bars, providing 800-900 calories a day. This is called Total Diet Replacement and can help you lose around 15kg, giving you the best chance of remission. Your diabetes and blood pressure medications will usually be stopped or adjusted to keep you safe. You’ll submit regular blood sugar and blood pressure readings and attend fortnightly group sessions for support.

Phase 2: Build healthy habits to keep the weight off — the next 3 months
You'll gradually return to everyday food, adding one calorie-controlled meal at a time. We'll guide you through each step. Fortnightly group sessions and health monitoring will continue, helping you manage challenges, build healthy routines and maintain your weight loss long-term. 

The group sessions

What to expect: You'll join a group of around 15 people for sessions every two weeks, led by our dietitians and psychologist.

Why groups? They offer encouragement and shared experience with people pursuing similar goals.

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

What if group sessions don't suit me? 
A national NHS remission programme offering remote, one-to-one support is also available. We can discuss which option suits you at your initial appointment.

IS A TOTAL DIET REPLACEMENT plan FOR ME?

Trying to lose weight with everyday food can be difficult because it involves daily decisions about what and how much to eat. Total Diet Replacement can make this simpler, but it doesn't suit everyone.
Here are 3 questions to consider:
1. Am I ready for this? You’ll replace your usual food with soups, shakes and bars for up to 12 weeks. This requires commitment, although many people find it easier than expected. Consider why remission matters to you and what you hope to gain.

2. Who can support me? Food is often part of family and social life, so the plan may affect your usual routines. Talking to family and friends beforehand can help them understand the plan and how best to support you.

3. Am I ready to make lasting changes? Losing weight is the first step; keeping it off is the longer-term challenge. Phase 2 will help you build sustainable eating and activity routines, manage challenges and develop the skills to maintain your weight loss.

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 through 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
Programme Manager
George leads the programme and is a specialist dietitian with expertise in weight management. He worked on a major diabetes remission study and ensures our programme reflects the latest research.
GT
Dr. Gavin Taylor
Medical Advisor
Gavin is our medical advisor and a GP with a special interest in diabetes. He advises on medication changes to make sure the programme is safe for you.
R&J
Reece Leitch & Jed Davidson
Dietitians
Reece and Jed will support you through Total Diet Replacement and the return to everyday food. They'll also keep a close eye on your blood sugars and blood pressure.
HD
Dr. Hannah Dale
Psychologist
Hannah will support you to make lifestyle changes, overcome challenges, and develop healthy habits you can maintain.
ADMIN
Lorna Murray, Susan King & Linda Scott
Admin Team
Our admin staff work 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 health assessment

Once your self-referral has been accepted, you'll have an appointment with one of our team. We’ll confirm that the programme is safe and suitable for you, explain the available options and help you prepare to get started. 

Lose weight and achieve remission

Months 1-3

Follow a nutritionally complete Total Diet Replacement plan to lose weight quickly and safely. Losing 10-15kg reduces fat in the liver and pancreas and gives you a good chance of putting your diabetes into remission. You'll receive support at fortnightly group sessions to keep you on track. 


Build healthy lifestyle habits

Months 4-6

You'll phase out the meal replacements and return to everyday foods. We'll help you build healthy eating and activity routines, manage challenges and develop the skills to keep the weight off long term. You'll continue to attend fortnightly group sessions for ongoing support. 

Completing the programme

Month 6

The programme ends with an in-person session to check your weight and HbA1c, review your experience and look ahead to life after the programme.

Click the button below to enrol in the programme.
Enrol in the Programme

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about our Type 2 diabetes remission programme

Our local six-month programme provides a combination of in-person and online group support. Eligible patients may instead choose a national NHS programme delivered by Counterweight which provides fully remote, one-to-one support. The programmes have slightly different eligibility criteria, but everyone should complete the same self-referral form. Our NHS Tayside team will assess your eligibility and discuss the available options with you. If you choose the national programme, we will explain the next steps and provide your GP practice with the information needed to complete the referral.

Diabetes medication is usually stopped on the first day of Total Diet Replacement—not before—and blood pressure medication may also be reduced or stopped. We’ll make any changes safely, following approved protocols and guidance from our medical advisor, and monitor your readings regularly. We’ll also keep your GP and practice nurse informed of any changes and your progress.

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. We focus more on physical activity in the next stage of the programme.

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Some people experience headaches or tiredness during the first few days, but these normally settle as the body adjusts. Constipation can occur but is preventable. We recommend taking Fybogel, a fibre supplement, from the start. It is available from chemists and supermarkets or through your GP practice.

The first few days can be challenging and some people feel hungry while their body adjusts. Hunger usually settles after a few days as the body begins using stored fat for energy and produces ketones, which reduce appetite. Many people find the clear structure easier than expected once they get started, and feel motivated as they start to see results.

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.

Yes. The amount of weight you lose and keep off is more important than the method you use. For many people, losing around 10–15 kg or 15% of their starting weight offers the best chance of remission. Total Diet Replacement provides a simple, structured and proven approach, but it is not the only way. The best approach is one that is safe, suits you and helps you keep the weight off. Whichever approach you choose, discuss your plans with your healthcare professional, particularly if you take diabetes or blood pressure medication, as these may need to be adjusted.

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.