Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission FAQs

During the stage 1 of the programme, you will be on a ‘Total Diet Replacement’ (also called TDR). You will consume specially designed products typically in the form of shakes, soups or porridges, instead of your usual meals. The TDR products will provide you with the vitamins and minerals your body needs whilst also causing weight loss. The drinks you have in addition to TDR must be calorie free, which means no drinks containing sugar, no milk in tea or coffee and no alcohol. In the second stage of the programme, you will be gradually reintroducing balanced meals back into your diet. 

Diabetes remission in people with Type 2 Diabetes means that your blood sugar levels are healthy for at least 6 months (A HbA1c less than 48mmol/mol) without needing to take any diabetes medication. Diabetes UK (2000)

One of the more common side effects of being on a TDR is hunger. This happens more so in the beginning; however, your body does adapt. Appetite and hunger levels tend to decline as your progress through the programme. This is because of a process called ketosis. One of the side effects of ketosis can be a suppressed appetite and hunger levels. People only tend to feel genuine hunger on TDR if they snack on foods that are not advised.

In the beginning, many people find that they feel slightly more tired than usual, however as your body adjusts to a lower calorie intake, many find that their energy levels increase. A lot of people tell us that their energy levels increase once they have adapted to TDR.

We recommend that you maintain your existing activity levels whilst taking part in the TDR. It is important to listen to your body and only do what you are able to. You may find that there are some days when you are unable to be as you would like to be – especially in the beginning when you may be experiencing side effects. A lot of people report having “extra energy” once they have adapted to TDR. If you feel like this, do an activity that you feel that you are able to.

The programme is based on research. Research shows that the more weight you lose the more chance you have of achieving remission of type 2 diabetes. It is important to know that remission of type 2 diabetes may not be possible for everyone. However, even losing 5% of your weight can have health benefits including fewer medications, improved blood glucose levels and reduced risk of complications of type 2 diabetes.

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission programme is free of charge. You will be provided a free code to order your TDR products (soups, shakes and porridges) and you will receive a sample pack as well. If you choose the digital delivery model, or are having the sessions remotely, you will also receive a self-monitoring kit free of charge including scales, glucometer and BP monitor if you are required to monitor you BP. You will be required to take these measurements before each session and report them to your Diabetes Practitioner.

TDR products are nutritionally complete and therefore supplementation is not necessary, unless you have been prescribed supplements by your healthcare team. In this case, we recommend that you follow the advice of your healthcare team. Other supplements may be used to manage some of the side effects that you may experience whilst on the programme e.g., fibre supplement for constipation. 

The first and second sessions are vital because they give you lots of information about the programme and how to prepare for the TDR stage. If you miss these sessions, then you will miss a lot of information. The programme is also set out in a very specific way to support you at key points. If you miss the first or second session, then we recommend that you start the programme again. We will try to facilitate this, however places are limited and therefore this cannot be guaranteed. 

If you miss a session without informing us, we will try to contact you to arrange a ‘catch up call/session’. If we are unable to reach you after multiple attempts, you would be advised of the risk of being discharged from the programme. If you are unable to attend a session, please contact our friendly team on 0333 577 3561 or query@xylahealth.com 

Please contact the patient support team on 0333 577 3561, we will try and find another suitable option for you.

There are 10 different flavours to choose from. Shakes – chocolate, vanilla, caramel, strawberry, spiced chai; Soups – Tomato and red pepper, Spiced carrot, Green vegetable; Porridges – original and banana

Yes, you can. However, make sure that you have 4 TDR products per day during stage 1 of the programme. 

Once you are booked into session you will receive an email with a unique code which will allow you to order your products from Habitual via their website or by calling them. Full order instructions are provided in the email but can also be found here

The TDR products are not suitable for people with a lactose intolerance or dairy intolerance. We are in the process of developing the TDR products range. For more information on the TDR products contact Altralife on 0118 453 2853.

Please contact Habitual directly on by emailing: xyla@tryhabitual.com

For the most up to date information on the TDR products visit https://www.tryhabitual.com/habitual-xyla-nhs-patients

Please watch the instructional video that can be found here

If you have any ongoing issues please contact Diabetic Supply directly on 01473 845453.

The programme last for 12 months. For more detailed information on what the programme entails please visit https://xylahealthandwellbeing.com/our-services/diabetes-remission/nhs-low-calorie-diet/

If you are on a digital or remote model, please take your measurements before each session and have these ready to report to your Diabetes Practitioner.  If you meet with your Diabetes Practitioner face-to-face, then they will take your measurements before each session.

Please review our Microsoft Teams guidance here

Try to think of your online modules as the pieces of a puzzle, having all the pieces makes for a much clearer picture! We recommend you work through all modules; they have been created with you in mind and are your steppingstones to success.