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26 June, 2019

BDA releases positive review of NHS Low Carb Program App

The British Dietetic Association has released a positive review of the NHS Low Carb Program App.

The three-page report provides a comprehensive overview of Diabetes Digital Media’s Low Carb Program; a 15-week structured behaviour change programme for people with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and obesity launched in 2015. Users of the Low Carb Program have access to video lessons, handouts, recipes and a moderated online support forum.

The review has been written by Paula Gallon, Specialist Diabetes Dietitian, Solihull Community Diabetes Service on behalf of the BDA Diabetes Specialist Group.

Key findings from the BDA Report include:

Portion control is encouraged, starting with the plate model illustrating ½ veg, ¼ starchy carbohydrate (120-150g a day) and ¼ protein. There is the option to reduce daily carbohydrate intake down to a ‘ketogenic diet’ amount of 30-50g carbohydrate later in the course.
Increased vegetable intake is recommended and recipes and tasty cooking methods included
The App is very clear about reducing sugary and processed foods and reducing reliance on meat
Each week of the program provides 7 days of menus with shopping lists, including vegan, vegetarian and Indian options
It is acknowledged that change takes time and the program includes small goals and behavioural tips
A forum offers support and questions are answered by facilitators giving hints and tips. The forum also prompts patients when they should go to their GP for clinical advice.

A paper published in 2018 in the Journal of Medical Internet Research has proven that a digitally delivered low carbohydrate type 2 diabetes self-management program is effective in improving glycaemic control, weight loss and reducing hypoglycaemic medications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The paper evaluated the one-year outcomes of 1000 people in the UK who engaged in the DDM Low Carb Program. At one-year, the average member loses 7.4kg and reduces their HbA1c by 1.2% with 39% of patients lowering their HbA1c below the threshold for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, 40% of people eliminate at least one medication from their treatment regime and one in four people place their type 2 diabetes into remission, saving the NHS over £835 per patient, per year in medication prescriptions alone.

The Low Carb Program App is available via the NHS library and it currently carries a ‘No Badge’ status, which means it meets NHS quality standards for safety, usability and accessibility. It has also gained QISMET approval meaning it can be prescribed on the NHS. For information and advice about providing free access to your patients through the NHS, click here.

Commenting on the review, Diabetes Digital Media said: “The Low Carb Program is scalable, engaging and effective – and it is being used globally by health agencies, governments and individuals. It’s encouraging to see that the BDA also recognise the benefits of the Low Carb Program, with their concluding paragraph stating that: “there is much to like about this program. Following the program will support individuals to improve the quality of their diet, lose weight and likely improve their diabetes control”.”

https://diabetestimes.co.uk/bda-rel...rb-program-app/