Leeds Beckett research helping people with Type 2 Diabetes

Experts in the Obesity Institute at Leeds Beckett University led the £1.5 million study to evaluate the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission programme. Professor Louisa Ells, Co-Director of the Obesity Institute at Leeds Beckett University, explained: “Living with Type 2 Diabetes can significantly impact health and wellbeing, and it has been estimated that up to 5.5million people in the UK could be living with diabetes by 2030, if urgent action isn’t taken.

“Findings from our three-year evaluation have shaped what the national programme looks like today – we shared all our findings with NHS England who were able to use them to make improvements to the service.”

The study found that the programme provided value for money, and can work successfully to improve people’s diabetes control and weight loss. However, it is not a one-size fits all solution. Older adults, and people from certain ethnic groups were less likely to start the programme – and young adults and people living with severe obesity were less likely to complete it.

Participants on the programme consume low calorie, nutritionally complete, total diet replacement products for up to 12 weeks. This is accompanied by support to re-introduce food and maintain weight loss for the remainder of the year-long programme.

Professor Ells said: “Some people found the programme easier than others, and we spoke to many staff and patients involved in the programme to find out why. This helped us identify several areas that could be improved which we fed back to the NHS.”

Changes made as a result of the research findings include:

• Making the programme more people focused, - participants can now choose their preferred support method - either digital or one-to-one in-person;
• Improving the focus on using of behaviour change theory and techniques, and ensuring the delivery of the programme is consistent across the country;
• Improving the range and format of the diet replacement products used in the programme – to improve uptake and reduce inequalities;
• Providing peer support to all service users.
• Reducing health inequalities by highlighting the importance of cultural awareness for staff – being able to adapt and ensure the programme is inclusive;
• The research informed a name change – from the Low Calorie Diet Programme to the Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission programme – making the purpose of the programme clear.