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National Support
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is part of the national programme which is expected to provide support to 100,000 individuals each year.Those referred to the service will receive tailored, personalised support to reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes including education on healthy eating and lifestyle, help to lose weight and physical exercise programmes, all of which together have been proven to reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Better Living
Find practical help with managing Type 2 diabetes through this informative toolkit.
Diabetes UK
Contact support families with the best possible guidance and information. For every shape and size of family, whatever they need and whatever their child’s disability.
Low Energy Diets
Low energy diets typically provide 800-1200 kcal/day from food, meal replacement products (shakes, bars, soups) or a combination of the two.
Total Diet Replacement
Counterweight Plus
12 weeks of TDR using branded products followed by food reintroduction and weight maintenance support.
Approximately £100 per month
The 1:1 diet (Cambridge Weight Plan)
12 weeks of TDR using branded shakes, bars and soups followed by structured food reintroduction under personal supervision of a counsellor.
Approximately £50 per week during TDR, then £30 p/w
Lighter Life
8-12 weeks of TDR using branded shakes and soups followed by food reintroduction.
Approximately £60 per week
Food Based Diets
Diabetes UK online energy-restricted diets:
Online 1200 kcal/day, nutrient dense diets that are high in fruit, vegetables, dietary fibre and low in saturated fat.
7-day menu plans with recipes for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
Mediterranean Style Diet
The Mediterranean diet (MD) reflects the culinary traditions of people living in countries bordering the Mediterranean sea. It is characterised by higher intakes of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil.
It is not, however, a licence to eat unlimited pasta, pizza and red wine.
Mediterranean-style diets are supported by Diabetes UK.
This provides simple advice about choosing Mediterranean-style foods and provides a 7-day menu plan with recipes.
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting usually means restricting food intake to 500-600 calories per day for two days a week and is commonly known as the 5:2 or Fast diet. This approach has not been as well studied in people with diabetes as some other diets, but it does seem to be effective. If you choose to adopt this diet, you will need medical supervision and medication adjustment on the days that you are fasting, particularly if you take insulin or sulfonylureas as you may be at risk of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia).
The Fast Diet
Available as a book or online programme
Book: £6.99
The 2-day diet
Book encouraging Mediterranean style eating
£ varies
Carbs and Cals 5:2
Book and app with menu plans and recipes
Book: £9.99 App: £4.99
Low Fat, Healthy Eating
Low fat, healthy eating diets are plant-based and include wholegrains, fruit and vegetables, pulses and fish with moderate amounts of lean and low fat meat and dairy products. Processed or refined foods, especially those high in sugar and fat, are not recommended. If you wish to lose weight, healthy eating can be combined with energy (calorie) restriction and this may be achieved by reducing your portion size.
NHS weight loss plan
12 week programme
Diabetes UK
7-day meal planners for 1500-1800 calorie diets
Our Path
12 week programme
12 weeks: £90 or £180 (with Tech support)
BHF Facts not Fads
Diet, activity and behavioural support
Carbs and Cals World Foods
Calorie counted meals and recipes
Book: £9.99 App: £4.99
Low Carbohydrate Diet
A low carbohydrate diet is usually assumed to provide <130g/day. These diets are supported by Diabetes UK as an option for weight loss in type 2 diabetes.
NHS-endorsed online low carb programme
A low carbohydrate diet programme which comprises of a 12-week structured behavioural change programme specifically designed for people with type 2 diabetes. QISMET approved, has received a CE Mark (meaning that it is registered with the MHRA) and has been sanctioned by NHS digital.
Download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
£14.99 per month £69.99 per year
Diabetes UK online low carb meal plan
This provides simple advice for a low carbohydrate diet (<130g/day) and a seven-day meal planner.
Free
Low carb diabetes cookbook
Cookbook authored by David Cavan (diabetes consultant) and Emma Porter (food writer and person with type 1 diabetes). Promoted as a method of managing type 1 diabetes and reversing type 2 diabetes, although management of type 2 diabetes is also included. Recommends limiting carbohydrate intake to 50-100g/day and provides recipes and meal plans.
£14.99 (cheaper prices available on Amazon)
Carbs and Cals/World Foods
Books and apps. These are designed for those who wish to count carbohydrate and calories. They are not designed for stand-alone use, but are useful for supporting a specific energy or carbohydrate restriction.
Books £9.99 Apps £4.99