A TRAILBLAZING scheme to reverse type 2 diabetes is being extended across Wharfedale following “astonishing” results among test patients.

The revolutionary eating plan saw an 85 per cent drop in diabetes medication for people who took part in the initial pilot scheme through local GP surgeries.

The Very Low Carbohydrate Diet Programme, spearheaded by doctors in the Modality Partnership, helps patients manage, or even reverse, diabetes without medication.

The first trials, which began early in 2018, also showed improvements in control of diabetes, cholesterol levels, and reductions in body fat and overall weight.

One of the first participants, Ian Thompson, of Newsholme, said the low-carb regime helped him lose four stone in weight in 18 months and enabled him to come off specialist drugs within weeks.

Modality, which runs several local medical practices, is now inviting all local people with type 2 diabetes to volunteer for one of the 330 free places on the extended pilot scheme.

Modality believes its latest pilot will be the biggest clinically-led trial for a low carb diet in the UK so far. Dr Tom Ratcliffe, a GP at Holycroft Surgery, said the Modality team was delighted to offer the Very Low Carb Programme to more patients in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

He said: “We have been astonished by the results that we have seen in patients with diabetes, and we want more local people to benefit from the programme.

“We want to get the message out to all local people with type 2 diabetes, go and see your GP and ask if you can be referred for this programme. We are confident you will experience results that could even reverse your diabetes and get you off medication for good.”

Modality’s GPs are working closely with Airedale Hospital and community provider Keighley Healthy Living to offer the new treatment.

The extended pilot scheme will involve eight group sessions run over four months with support from dietitians from Airedale Hospital, “expert patients”, and the GP practice team. There will be free, practical “cook and eat” sessions run by Keighley Healthy Living for participants to join in. To take part, people must be referred by their GP. Laura Rowe, Dietetics Professional Lead from the hospital, said the Airedale Dietetics Service was “really excited” to work in collaboration with Modality to deliver the new education programme for people with type 2 diabetes. She said: “The program supports participants to reduce the carbohydrate content of their diet to target weight loss and improve diabetes control.”