World Diabetes Day – spaces available on type 2 diabetes NHS Path to Remission Programme in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Spaces are available on a successful programme running across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin which supports people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on their path to remission.

The programme, run by Counterweight in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, 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.

Simon’s Success Story: Reversing Type 2 Diabetes and Reclaiming Health in Shropshire

At 52, Simon from Oswestry found himself struggling to manage his weight and type 2 diabetes. Retired due to health issues, he was highly motivated to make a change. When his GP surgery recommended the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme delivered by Counterweight, he didn’t hesitate to say yes.

“The programme went beyond my expectations,” says Simon. “I started cutting food down as I got closer to my start date, so it was a fairly easy transition.” One of the most helpful features, he shared, was the simplicity and structure of the meal replacements: “Knowing that every packet was nutritious and only 200 calories” made everything clear and manageable.

Simon’s dedication paid off. He’s lost an incredible 4 stone 7 pounds so far, he feels healthier and no longer takes medication for his type 2 diabetes. “I can see my belly getting flatter each month and I’m still losing weight at a steady pace.”

Support from his dietitian helped him reintroduce food gradually, and today, he continues to use two meal replacements a day alongside balanced meals.

His advice to others? “Just do it. Go to your doctors and ask about the programme. I promise, you will not regret it.”

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

“As of the end of September, 581 people have been referred for support since the service launched back in May 2024.”

Mayuri Bhagat, is Partnerships Representative and Health Coach at Counterweight, said: “We support people with type 2 diabetes to make healthy changes, such as eating well, being more active and reaching a healthy weight. These changes can help people manage their blood sugar, reduce the need for medication and, for some people, put their type 2 diabetes into 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 Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin can be found at Counterweight | The leaders in long-term weight loss and type 2 diabetes remission