A diet of soups and shakes can drastically improve diabetes symptoms — even without medication, real-life study finds

While there is no outright cure for type 2 diabetes — a disease impacting over over 100 million Indians and half a billion people globally — a remarkable lifestyle shift involving a low-energy diet rich in these humble meal replacements is turning the tide for many.

Preliminary findings from an ambitious year-long diabetes program run by England's National Health Service (NHS) have uncovered promising results. Participants who underwent a radical dietary overhaul, swapping out regular meals for nutrient-dense soups and shakes, witnessed a staggering 32% remission rate. Remarkably, these individuals maintained stable blood glucose levels without the need for medication, shedding an average of 15.9 kilograms over the 12-month period.

No medicines? No problem

These are the findings from the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Program. The fully-funded NHS program accepts 10,000 eligible participants annually, who are provided with low-calorie, total diet replacement treatment to help lower their body weight and blood sugar and reduce their dependence on traditional diabetes medications. This program for long-term remission is based on the Diabetes UK's landmark DiRECT21 trial, which found that weight loss could sustain remission for up to five years in some individuals.

To achieve remission, participants had to meet stringent criteria: their blood glucose levels needed to be below a specific threshold on two occasions at least three months apart, with the second test conducted 11-15 months post-program initiation. Additionally, no glucose-lowering medications could be prescribed for at least three months before the first test.
The study’s initial results are drawn from 1,740 participants enrolled between 2020 and 2022. For the first three months, participants replaced all meals with soups and shakes, consuming a mere 800 to 900 calories daily. Gradually, they were coached to reintroduce regular foods over the rest of the year.

Massive improvements in weight and sugar levels

Among the 710 participants meeting these requirements, 27% reached remission by the program's end. For those who completed the program with weight records at the end, the remission rate rose to 32%. This success underscores the critical role of support and lifestyle coaching in achieving such impressive outcomes.

Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, highlights the significance of these findings. "These latest findings add to the real-world evidence that the program can help thousands of people living with type 2 diabetes on their weight loss and remission journey, which we know is tough and having support is critical".
James Thompson, a 33-year-old from Birmingham, is a shining example of the program's transformative power. Joining the NHS program in 2021, Thompson recalls the initial challenges of adapting to the new diet. "I found the first few months the most challenging as I had to get used to this new way of eating," he explained.

However, as he settled into the routine and began losing weight, his mood and energy levels soared. Reintroducing regular foods, he embraced a diet rich in vegetables, salads, and high-fibre foods. He even bought a bike to cycle to work, increasing his daily steps to approximately 30,000. All of these changes led to a remarkable 54% reduction in body weight, and his diabetes is now in remission, despite being off medication.

As the battle against type 2 diabetes rages on, the unassuming duo of soups and shakes stands as an unexpected contender. With continued support and lifestyle changes, remission is not just a dream but a deliciously achievable reality for many

The findings of this research have been published in Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology and can be accessed here.