Mark Gilbert
Nutritionist, The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan
Landmark clinical trial demonstrates a 46% success rate of Type 2 diabetes remission using a total diet replacement programme,1 nutritionist Mark Gilbert explains.
Can you explain the link between excess weight and Type 2 diabetes?
Excess weight, particularly fat stored around internal organs, plays a major role in Type 2 diabetes. When the liver accumulates too much fat, it can contribute to fat deposition in the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing insulin. This can impair insulin function and blood sugar regulation and, over time, can increase the risk of numerous complex and chronic medical concerns.
You mention several studies proving that dieting can reverse diabetes. What did they find?
The landmark DiRECT study, funded by Diabetes UK, demonstrated that substantial weight loss through a total diet replacement programme could put Type 2 diabetes into remission, with around 46% of participants successfully going into remission within a year.1 Participants followed a structured low-calorie programme using nutritionally complete meal replacement products, before gradually reintroducing conventional foods. Remission rates were higher than previously seen with conventional dietary approaches. The DIADEM-I study later explored whether these outcomes could be replicated in more diverse populations, including people of Black African and Middle Eastern heritage, and found remission rates of over 60%.2
What is The 1:1 Diet and how does it work?
The 1:1 Diet is a personalised weight management programme combining nutritionally complete meal replacements, such as shakes, soups and bars, with one-to-one consultant support. The programme is tailored to the individual and designed to create a safe calorie deficit while ensuring people still receive essential nutrients and adequate protein.
Excess weight, particularly fat stored around internal organs, plays a major role in Type 2 diabetes
How important is consultant support?
Research consistently shows that people achieve better outcomes with dedicated support. Consultants are trained to help clients build healthier habits, manage challenging situations such as going to restaurants and stay motivated with weekly weigh-ins and consultant support sessions.
What feedback have you received on the plan?
Subjects from the DiRECT trial reported that sticking to the diet was much easier than anticipated. They explained how the rapid weight loss and changes in diabetes markers provided ongoing motivation, and that the support they received helped maintain successful weight maintenance. We’ve been doing this for over 40 years and have thousands of clients who have achieved successful results. We continually improve the programme based on feedback from clients and consultants.
[1] Lean, M. et al. (2017). Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT): an open-label, cluster-randomised trial. https://tinyurl.com/58pxtr4u.
[2] Taheri, S. e al. (2020). Effect of intensive lifestyle intervention on bodyweight and glycaemia in early type 2 diabetes (DIADEM-I): an open label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. https://tinyurl.com/ j42r9xd8.
