Type 2 Diabetes REMISSION
Type 2 diabetes no longer needs to be thought of as a lifelong condition. Research shows that losing 10-15kg in the first few years after diagnosis can reverse it. The NHS Tayside diabetes remission programme is here to support you on that journey. Find out more below.
reversing type 2 diabetes: why weight loss is important
What does it mean to reverse Type 2 diabetes?
Reversing Type 2 diabetes means getting your blood sugar back to normal (or near normal) levels without needing medication. This is possible for many people if they lose 10-15kg (about 2 stone) in weight soon after they're diagnosed.
Why is it called "remission" and not a "cure"?
We say "remission" instead of "cure" because if weight is regained, then diabetes will return.
How does weight loss help?
Losing weight is really important because it gets rid of extra fat in your liver and pancreas. Too much fat in these organs makes it hard for them to control your blood sugar. When you lose weight, they can work normally again.
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
The programme aims to help you lose weight, reduce medications, and reverse your diabetes.
who can join?
To join the programme, you must:
- Be 18-65 years old
- Have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes within the last 3 years
- Have a HbA1c result of 48 or higher, or 43 or higher if taking diabetes medication
- Be motivated to lose weight and able to attend regular group sessions
- Be comfortable using meal replacements for 12 weeks
- Be willing to attend group sessions via NHS Near Me video conferencing
- Be registered with a GP practice in Angus, Dundee, or Perth and Kinross
Remission programme: how it works
This programme combines healthy eating, medical checks and psychological support. It lasts for 6 months.
Phase 1: Total Diet Replacement (12 weeks)
You'll replace all meals with soups, shakes and bars. These provide 800-900 calories per day and have all the nutrients you need. This can help you lose 15kg (2 and a half stone) or more. Most people find they stop feeling hungry after the first few days. Diabetes and blood pressure medications are stopped or adjusted during this time and we will give you equipment (if you need it) to monitor your blood sugars and blood pressure from home.
Phase 2: Food Reintroduction and Weight Loss Maintenance (14 weeks)
You'll start eating regular foods again and gradually increase your calorie intake by gradually adding one calorie-controlled meal at a time to your diet. We'll give you guidance on this. This phase is a chance for you to start building new and sustainable eating habits. We'll support you to keep the weight off that you've lost with fortnightly group sessions.
Phase 1: Total Diet Replacement (12 weeks)
You'll replace all meals with soups, shakes and bars. These provide 800-900 calories per day and have all the nutrients you need. This can help you lose 15kg (2 and a half stone) or more. Most people find they stop feeling hungry after the first few days. Diabetes and blood pressure medications are stopped or adjusted during this time and we will give you equipment (if you need it) to monitor your blood sugars and blood pressure from home.
Phase 2: Food Reintroduction and Weight Loss Maintenance (14 weeks)
You'll start eating regular foods again and gradually increase your calorie intake by gradually adding one calorie-controlled meal at a time to your diet. We'll give you guidance on this. This phase is a chance for you to start building new and sustainable eating habits. We'll support you to keep the weight off that you've lost with fortnightly group sessions.
How and where it Runs
Groups sessions: The programme is run in groups of around 15 people, led by Dietitians
and Psychologists.
Why groups? We understand that a group setting isn't for everyone, but this format allows us to offer the programme to more people. Research shows that those who participate in groups often achieve more weight loss, and also benefit from the shared experience with others in a similar situation.
Online and in-person: Most sessions are held online via the NHS 'Near Me' video call platform, so you can join from home. We also have four in-person sessions at the Wellgate Library in Dundee to provide opportunities to meet face-to-face.
Why groups? We understand that a group setting isn't for everyone, but this format allows us to offer the programme to more people. Research shows that those who participate in groups often achieve more weight loss, and also benefit from the shared experience with others in a similar situation.
Online and in-person: Most sessions are held online via the NHS 'Near Me' video call platform, so you can join from home. We also have four in-person sessions at the Wellgate Library in Dundee to provide opportunities to meet face-to-face.
IS A TOTAL DIET REPLACEMENT plan FOR ME?
"Healthy eating" plans for weight loss can be tough because of the daily decisions about what and how much to eat. A Total Diet Replacement plan makes it simpler, but it's not the best choice for everyone.
Here are some things to think about:
1. Am I ready for this? You'll only have soups and shakes for 12 weeks. This takes
commitment, but it's often easier than people expect. Think about how this compares to the long
term effects of being overweight and having diabetes.
2. Do I have support? Eating is often a social thing, and this programme will change routines with friends and family. It's important to talk to them about it beforehand so they can support you.
3. Am I ready to make long term changes? The hardest part is keeping the weight off after you lose it. You need to be committed to a healthy lifestyle for the long term.
2. Do I have support? Eating is often a social thing, and this programme will change routines with friends and family. It's important to talk to them about it beforehand so they can support you.
3. Am I ready to make long term changes? The hardest part is keeping the weight off after you lose it. You need to be committed to a healthy lifestyle for the long term.
Programme Benefits
55%
achieve diabetes remission by 3 months
17kg
Average weight loss (13.6% body weight)
95%
of people would recommend the programme
£0
Available though NHS Tayside at no cost to you
Ready to get started?
Sign up for our FREE Type 2 diabetes
remission programme
Please complete the self-referral form below. Once submitted, we will review your medical records and contact you within 2 weeks to confirm whether your referral has been accepted. If accepted, we will invite you to arrange an appointment with a member of the Diabetes Remission team. New group programmes start each month but please be aware that there is a waiting time of around 12 weeks from your referral to starting the programme.
MEET THE TEAM
We are here to help you on your journey to diabetes remission. We have a great mix of experience and will work with you to give you the best care possible.
GT
Dr. George Thom
Remission Programme Lead
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
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 is involved in each phase of the NHS Tayside Type 2 diabetes remission programme below.
GETTING STARTED
After you complete the self-referral sign up form (above), we’ll be in touch to let you know it has been accepted. We will then schedule an initial online appointment with one of the Remission Team.
During this appointment, we'll check your medical history and medications, provide you with more details on the programme, and if you decide to proceed, we'll discuss the next group start dates.
We'll also arrange equipment for monitoring your blood sugars and blood pressure and a sample of meal replacements to choose your preferred flavours.
During this appointment, we'll check your medical history and medications, provide you with more details on the programme, and if you decide to proceed, we'll discuss the next group start dates.
We'll also arrange equipment for monitoring your blood sugars and blood pressure and a sample of meal replacements to choose your preferred flavours.
phase 1: TOTAL DIET REPLACEMENT
(12 WEEKS)
For the first 12 weeks, you'll replace all meals with low-calorie soups, shakes and bars (800-900 calories/day). The aim is to lose around 15kg (or 15%) of your body weight, as this has been shown to offer the best opportunity for remission.
Medications for blood sugar and blood pressure are usually stopped for safety reasons as they fall with weight loss. You'll monitor these at home and report them to the team.
Fortnightly group meetings with a Dietitian or Health Psychologist will guide you through phase 1. Most sessions are online, but there's in-person meetings at the start and end so you can meet others on the programme, and we can check your weight, blood sugars (HbA1c) and blood pressure.
Medications for blood sugar and blood pressure are usually stopped for safety reasons as they fall with weight loss. You'll monitor these at home and report them to the team.
Fortnightly group meetings with a Dietitian or Health Psychologist will guide you through phase 1. Most sessions are online, but there's in-person meetings at the start and end so you can meet others on the programme, and we can check your weight, blood sugars (HbA1c) and blood pressure.
Phase 2: FOOD REINTRODUCTION
(4 WEEKS)
During phase 2, you'll receive guidance on reintroducing healthy meals and establishing new routines. You'll replace shakes/soups/bars with calorie-controlled meals and continue to attend fortnightly group sessions. You'll also keep monitoring your weight, blood sugars, and blood pressure, and start to focus more on increasing physical activity (if you are able).
End of programme
(Month 6)
The programme ends with an in-person session to check your weight and HbA1c, reflect on your experience and look ahead to life after the programme.
Click the button below to enrol in the programme.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about our Type 2 diabetes remission programme