NICE’s Draft Type 2 Diabetes Guideline Update: A Missed Opportunity
Earlier this year, X-PERT Health joined forces with the British Dietetic Association and the Public Health Collaboration to call on NICE to update its dietary advice for people living with type 2 diabetes. We highlighted three key areas:
– Remission should be promoted as a realistic goal.
– A range of dietary approaches should be supported.
– Patients should be empowered to make informed, personalised choices.
NICE initially responded positively, and we were hopeful that the draft update, released on 20th August 2025, would deliver meaningful change. Unfortunately, the outcome has been disappointing.
While some small steps were made, such as referencing the more flexible NICE overweight and obesity management guideline (NG246), the dietary section of the type 2 diabetes guidelines (NG28) remains largely unchanged. Remission is still not clearly promoted as a suitable goal, and the guidance continues to recommend a single dietary approach rather than supporting patient choice.
This lack of alignment not only misses the opportunity to better support people with type 2 diabetes but also risks causing confusion among healthcare professionals and patients.
Despite this setback, there is still reason for optimism. NICE has confirmed that a surveillance review of dietary interventions will take place after the consultation period ends, meaning there is still a chance for meaningful updates in the near future.
At X-PERT Health, we will continue to advocate for evidence-based, flexible, and patient-centred dietary advice to help improve outcomes for people living with Type 2 diabetes.
You can read our full blog, including “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” of NICE’s draft update, here
