Ascensia launches NHS competition with award-winning programme as prize

By Editor
10th June 2019
Low carb, Low carb high protein diet Medical devices Type 2 diabetes Type 2 prevention

NHS organisations are being invited to enter a competition to win access to an award-winning type 2 diabetes behaviour change platform.

As part of its commitment to the NHS, Ascensia Diabetes Care is giving healthcare professionals the chance to offer free access for 200 people across the UK living with type 2 diabetes to the Low Carb Program, which research demonstrates has the potential to put the condition into remission.

The contest has been launched to mark Diabetes Week 2019, which runs from Monday, June 10, to Sunday, June 16. The deadline for entries to be received is July 10, 2019. NHS organisations such as NHS trusts, Clinical Commissioning Groups or NHS medical practices across the UK can enter the competition, named Type 2 Diabetes Remission Accelerator, Powered by the Low Carb Program.

More than 200 individuals will be given access to the programme through their healthcare professional. Successful sites, whose applications will be judged by a panel of NHS specialists, will need to demonstrate that they have an implementation plan for identifying, engaging and initiating patients onto the Low Carb Program within 8-10 weeks of notification of successful application. They will also need to commit to evaluating the impact of the programme on behavioural change.

The Low Carb Program is used by over 400,000 people worldwide. It has been developed by Diabetes Digital Media (DDM) in collaboration with Dr David Unwin, the RCGP National Champion for Collaborative Care and Support Planning in Obesity & Diabetes and RCGP Clinical Expert in diabetes as well as 20,000 people with diabetes.

We hope that this competition will ignite the interest of primary care professionals across the country on the opportunity for type 2 diabetes remission. Ascensia’s Country Head UK and Ireland Ros Barker

It has peer-reviewed outcomes, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JIMR) Diabetes. Outcomes at year one include an average weight loss of 7.4kg; 39% of members completing the programme reduce their HbA1c below the type 2 diabetes threshold and one in four place their type 2 diabetes into remission, saving the NHS on average £853 per patient, per year, in reduced medication costs. The Low Carb Program is QISMET approved for NHS commissioning and included in the NHS App Library. It is also certified as a MHRA Grade 1 Medical Device and has a CE Mark in compliance with EU regulations.

The Low Carb Program facilitates sustainable weight loss and blood glucose control through structured education, resources and most importantly, personalised behaviour change support for people living with type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity. In just under three months, most people with type 2 diabetes who complete the programme improve their blood glucose control whilst reducing or eliminating prescription medication and losing weight. After one year, data show that 26% of patients with type 2 diabetes are in remission.

Ros Barker, Ascensia’s Country Head UK and Ireland, said: “Ascensia Diabetes Care is committed to ensuring the Low Carb Program is available across the UK and we hope that this competition will ignite the interest of primary care professionals across the country on the opportunity for type 2 diabetes remission. The Low Carb Program is supported by strong published evidence which includes the potential for members to reduce their medication and therefore save the NHS money.

“By entering this competition from Ascensia, you have the chance to trial the programme with your patients with type 2 diabetes for free and see the difference it can make to them. The Low Carb Program can revolutionise our approach to supporting people with type 2 diabetes, giving them the possibility of putting their condition into remission.”

The competition involves a simple application process. Interested GP practices and primary care groups should click here.

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