‘Diabetes was for life. To know it is now reversible, that is hugely exciting’
Government talks planned on rolling out breakthrough app
The nationwide rollout of an NHS app designed to reverse one of Scotland’s most serious health conditions could be approved within days.
The Scottish Government will meet with NHS Scotland to analyse the results of regional trials of the app designed to help reverse type 2 diabetes before deciding if the technology should be adopted by all 14 health boards.
In one trial in Tayside, almost 46% of patients taking part in the 12-week programme replacing meals with soups and shakes reversed their diagnosis within a year. Supported and steered by the app, they lost 10kg on average and, two years later, most remained in remission.
People signing up to the Tayside trial were assigned a dietician, who drew up a personalised healthcare plan, and offered psychological support. Through the app they were able to keep track of their eating and activity, set and monitor goals and speak with their dietician. Every week new videos, recipes, podcasts and quizzes were also made available.
T2 diabetes is caused by problems with insulin creating high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood and can lead to serious health issues. It is an increasing problem in Scotland and other countries, with doctors blaming unhealthy diet, low levels of exercise and a rise in obesity.
It already affects one in 10 Scots aged over 40, with treatment for each patient costing up to £6,900 and the total bill for NHS Scotland reaching £1 billion each year. Health researchers warn the condition is the largest contributor to healthcare costs and reduced life expectancy across Europe.
Current forecasts predict that 500,000 Scots could be diagnosed with the condition, capable of reducing life-expectancy by a decade, by 2035.
The potential medical help delivered through mobile phone apps was first revealed in trials funded by Diabetes UK, which campaigns for patients to have easy access to helpful technology. John Kinnear, national director of Diabetes Scotland, said that research has been pivotal in transforming the lives of many patients, with NHS England already rolling out the technology nationally.
He said: “Remission can be life changing, offering people living with type 2 diabetes a better chance of a healthier future. For those who aren’t able to go into remission, losing weight can still lead to major health benefits, including improved blood sugar levels and reduced risk of serious diabetes complications such as heart attack and stroke.
“At the moment, support with remission varies widely depending on where you live and we would welcome the rollout of a national digital remission service.”
A new generation of drugs, such as Ozempic, capable of helping patients lose weight quickly, have been hailed as the key to tackling an obesity crisis costing Scotland £5bn a year but demand is far outstripping supply, forcing postponement of trials in England involving T2 diabetes.
If approved tomorrow, tech firms designing and operating weight loss apps will be invited to bid for the NHS contract. Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Scotland’s Chief Scientist (Health), said the trials were a huge step forward.
She said: “When I taught students, diabetes was for life, a terrible chronic disease that could be managed but not cured. Now we know it is not only reversible but it is reversible without having to go to hospital every week but by using a digital programme that changes lifestyles and reduces weight. A preventative intervention that is successful in up to 50% of patients after a single year? That is hugely exciting.”