World Diabetes Day – – spaces available on type 2 diabetes NHS Path to Remission Programme in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Spaces are available on a successful programme running across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent which supports people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on their path to remission.

The programme, run by Reed Wellbeing in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, includes specialist support from healthcare professionals, total diet replacement products during the initial phase, food reintroduction, and long-term weight maintenance support. In some cases, participants may achieve remission of type 2 diabetes and reduce their reliance on medication.

Paul Forrester, aged 58, from Staffordshire, who participated in the Path to Remission Programme, said:

“Overall, my health and future health are on the up and I’m very positive because of being on the programme. Without the programme I don’t think I would have been able to make these lifelong changes and I’m looking forward to the future and remaining in remission.”

Dr Hannah Missen, Clinical Lead at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and a GP in Staffordshire, commented:

“This World Diabetes Day (Saturday 14 November 2026), we would encourage anyone living in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to find out more about the Path to Remission programme from their GP or health professional.

“The programme has helped almost 800 participants with type 2 diabetes since its launch in September 2023 in the region.”        

Dean Palfreyman, Lead Engagement and Delivery Coach, NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme (Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent), Reed Wellbeing, added:

“We help people with type 2 diabetes to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, adopt a balanced diet, increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour.

“By doing this, participants can better control their blood sugar levels, reduce medication, prevent disease and achieve remission.”                                                                                                               

Path to Remission is delivered either in-person or digitally. If the participant chooses to join the programme in-person, a suitable venue local to the participant will be selected.

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is based on two studies. The Diabetes UK-funded ‘DiRECT’ trial saw almost half of those who went on a low calorie diet achieve remission of their type 2 diabetes after one year. A quarter of participants achieved a 15kg or more weight loss, and of these, 86% put their type 2 diabetes into remission. Another trial, called ‘DROPLET’, demonstrated similar weight loss in people who were living with obesity.

Further information on the Path to Remission programme in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can be found at Type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment | Reed Wellbeing