Thousands more people in England with type 2 diabetes will be offered the chance to try a soup-and-shake diet weight-loss plan for free on the NHS.
Studies show switching to the low-calorie liquid diet can put diabetes into remission.
Experts say they want to help people to be as fit as possible, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are linked and both increase the risk of complications from Covid-19.
Some NHS patients have already benefited from the year-long diet and exercise plan, which is why NHS England wants to expand the scheme to more people.
People living with type 2 diabetes who are an unhealthy weight and have been diagnosed with the condition in the last six years will be considered for the scheme.
After a few months on the shakes and soups, when some weight loss has been achieved, solid foods are reintroduced, with support to help the person maintain a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
Results from one trial showed almost half of those who went on the diet achieved remission of their type 2 diabetes after one year.
Read more : https://www.bbc.com/news/health-53983095
