Poster 10: Uptake and retention in a digital Low-Calorie Diet (LCD) programme delivered to an ethnically diverse population living with type two diabetes (T2D) (Interim analysis)

Introduction: LCD, delivered through face-to-face appointments, can achieve significant weight loss and 46% remission rates at one year (1). This is possible in people with a mixed ethnic background too. (2) Diabetes prevalence in this population is high; accordingly, ensuring interventions are scalable and accessible is key. Here we evaluate the retention and clinical effectiveness of a digital LCD programme for ethnically diverse adults with T2D requiring no face-to-face appointments.

Methods: Preliminary data from 37 adults with type 2 diabetes (with 26 (70%) classifying themselves as non-caucasian), following a digital LCD programme (12-week total diet replacement (TDR) approx. 800 calories; 4 weeks food reintroduction; 8 months behaviour change support) were collected and analysed to determine retention and engagement for the first 6 months of the programme. Patients had access to a smartphone app for self-monitoring and coach support.

Results: 30 (81%) patients completed the 12-week TDR phase and 27 (90%) completed 6 months. Average week 12 weight loss is 10.9kg (n=30) and 11kg (n=27) at 6 months. The service is still live but for those who have reached 12 months, average weight loss is 11.5kg (n=11).78 prescriptions were stopped with an average of 2.2 prescriptions stopped per patient. The average reduction in HbA1c at 6 months  is 10.9 mmol/mol (n=11).

Conclusion: Preliminary data demonstrates that a digital LCD programme results in significant weight loss, glycaemic improvement and medication reductions at 6 months in an ethnically diverse adult population with T2D, accompanied by high engagement and retention.