Type 2 remission programme ‘cost saving’

An economic study has shown the DiRECT programme, which can put Type 2 diabetes in remission for some people, could result in huge savings for the NHS.

In 2017, the first results from the study revealed that through a low-calorie weight loss programme, some people could go into remission from Type 2 diabetes.

A paper from Dr Yiqiao Xin and Andrew Davies at the University of Glasgow, as part of the DiRECT team, reveals that the use of a DiRECT-style approach to remission is not only predicted to improve the life expectancy of people living with type 2 diabetes, but also results in an average saving to the NHS of £1,337 per person over their lifetime. Compared to standard care, the DiRECT style approach would be cost-saving within six years.

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said: “The impact of DiRECT has been huge. Not only is the trial changing lives now, but its findings offer hope to millions of people living with Type 2 diabetes that their condition may not always have to be lifelong. We want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to put their Type 2 diabetes into remission. By demonstrating the significant cost savings to the NHS, which currently spends 10% of its budget on diabetes care, this new study could help the DiRECT approach to become a fundamental part of Type 2 diabetes treatment for all.”

 

Desang Diabetes Magazine is our free-to-receive digital journal (see below). We cover diabetes news, diabetes management equipment (diabetes ‘kit’ such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring equipment) and news about food suitable for a diabetic diet including a regular Making Carbs Count column. We just need your email address to subscribe you (it really is free, and you can easily unsubscribe should you wish to).

Sign me up!
Open publication
Buy a Desang kitbag

See our range of kitbags