Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) is providing a fully funded diet for people with type 2 diabetes. Of the thousands invited, 940 have so far completed the 12-week program. The results of the program, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, are based on 940 participants.

It was shown that it helped people with type 2 diabetes and obesity lose more than 10kg of weight, improve blood sugar levels, reduce their consumption of diabetes medication and reverse diabetes in about half the cases.

This diet, known as the soup and shake diet, involves consuming shakes, soups and meal-replacement bars for a few months, followed by the gradual reintroduction of healthy solid foods.

Initial results from the program are similar to the weight loss seen in clinical trials.

Since it is fully funded, individuals do not have to pay for the liquid diet program, which includes 900 calories per day.

Participants receive personalised diet and exercise advice, either in person or online, and support from their general practitioner.

If diabetes is not controlled, it can lead to serious health problems, including damage to the eyes and nerves.

The eligibility criteria include:

• Age between 18 and 65
• a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes within the past six years
• body mass index (BMI) greater than 27 kg/m2 (for white ethnic groups) or greater than 25 kg/m2 (for black, Asian and other ethnic groups)

According to the program, follow a very low-calorie diet only if your doctor recommends it.

In addition, participants will receive support and monitoring for 12 months, including help with reintroducing food after the initial 12-week period.

What is type 2 diabetes and can losing weight help?

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition in which blood sugar levels become too high because the body cannot produce enough insulin (a hormone) or use it properly.

Some cases are linked to obesity, as fat can accumulate around the pancreas, which produces insulin. Losing weight can reverse this process.

In contrast, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that has nothing to do with weight.