- The Directorate of Public Health partners with the Tayside Adult Weight Management Service to deliver interventions for Type 2 diabetes remission. This is a key part of a broader programme focussed on the prevention, early detection and early intervention of Type 2 diabetes.
- The Type 2 diabetes remission programme is a 12-month weight management intervention with a target weight loss of 15kg. The programme combines nutrition education, medical monitoring and psychological support. It is delivered in a group setting and led by Specialist Dietitians and Health Psychologists. Participants receive a FREE 12 week “Total Diet Replacement”, which is a nutritionally balanced low calorie diet of shakes and soups that replaces all regular foods to support optimal weight loss. About half of the participants who complete the programme achieve Type 2 diabetes remission, defined as having a HbA1c below 48 mmol/mol and no longer requiring diabetes medications.
Diabetes Remission
Who we are
Who to Refer
- People with Type 2 Diabetes diagnosed in the past 3 years.
- HbA1c of ≥48 mmol/mol (or ≥43 mmol/mol if taking diabetes medication)
- Age range: 18-65 years
- There is no specific lower (or upper) body mass index (BMI) limit as weight loss is appropriate even when BMI falls within the ‘healthy range’ (i.e. BMI<25 kg/m2). However, when Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed at a relatively low BMI, clinicians should carefully assess for monogenic or Type 1 diabetes.
- People who are motivated to lose weight, achieve remission, comfortable attending both in-person and remote group meetings, and can commit to a 12-week low calorie diet using meal replacements.
Who not to Refer
Referrals will be assessed on an individual basis, however key exclusion criteria are listed below:
NB. Meal replacements may contain gluten due to cross-contamination, and the range of options is restricted for people with milk/lactose intolerance, or following a vegan diet.
- Severe or unstable heart failure
- Myocardial infarction or stroke within previous 3 months
- Undergoing intensive cancer treatment
- Severe renal failure (eGFR <30 mls/min)
- Porphyria
- Pregnant or considering pregnancy in next 6 months, or breastfeeding
- Severe and untreated mental health condition
- Current bulimia nervosa
- Drug and/or alcohol dependence that would impair ability to adhere to the programme
- Severe, unsupported learning disabilities or learning difficulties which would impair ability to adhere to the programme
NB. Meal replacements may contain gluten due to cross-contamination, and the range of options is restricted for people with milk/lactose intolerance, or following a vegan diet.
How to Refer
- Refer via SCI-Gateway to the Tayside Adult Weight Management Service
- The referral should specifically request the Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme and include the following information:
- Recent HbA1c, weight (kg), height and BMI
- Medical history
- Any language or communication needs.
More information on the programme is available here: Type 2 Diabetes Remission Pathway.
Alternatives to Referral
- Individuals who would like more information on Type 2 diabetes remission may find the following resources useful:
- NHS Scotland’s ‘My Diabetes My Way’ website.
- Diabetes UK website type-2-reversal .
- As an alternative to the Type 2 Diabetes remission programme, people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the last 3 years can self-refer to the Oviva Diabetes Support programme. This provides structured education and 12 weeks health coaching via Smartphone app.
Useful resources
- For patients, an information leaflet is available on Staffnet: Type 2 diabetes remission programme
- For healthcare professionals, a step-by-step guide on initiating brief conversations about weight management with adults can be accessed here: Let’s Talk About Weight.
Programme Contact
Dr George Thom
Programme Manager for Prevention, Early Detection and Early Intervention of Type 2 Diabetes george.thom2@nhs.scot
Programme Manager for Prevention, Early Detection and Early Intervention of Type 2 Diabetes george.thom2@nhs.scot