The benefits of non‐surgical weight management on weight and glycaemic control in people with complex type 2 diabetes: A primary care service evaluation of clinical outcomes at 12 months

Optimizing diabetes management in patients with complex type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity presents challenges. This study evaluates weight and HbA1c at 12 months (primary outcomes) and blood pressure, lipids, medication and lifestyle changes (secondary outcomes) in patients referred by a diabetes specialist (DSN) to the weight management intervention (Slimming World). Patients attended up to 12 or 24 funded weekly group sessions. The DSN recorded baseline and 12‐month primary and secondary outcome data. A post‐intervention questionnaire explored the lifestyle changes made. 69 patients achieved a mean weight loss of 5.5 (5.16) %, reduction in BMI [37.7(6.11) to 35.9 (6.30) kg/m(2), P < 0.001] and HbA1c levels [62.8 (12.85) to 55.0 (13.02) mmol/mol, P < 0.001] at 12 months. 81.2% reduced their HbA1c levels. Small reductions were observed in SBP, DBP and triglycerides, and six patients reduced their diabetes medications. Twenty patients completed the questionnaire: unhealthy snacking reduced (P < 0.001) and going for walks increased (P < 0.001) with fewer people avoiding moderate activity (P < 0.05). Despite being a chronic, progressive condition, referral to a community‐based programme was successful in supporting patients with established T2DM improve their diet and activity levels, lose weight and improve their glycaemic control 12 months later with a small number able to reduce their medication.