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.”