Patients who have been diagnosed with the condition in the last six years and meet other eligibility criteria will be given the diet products, and they will also receive support to increase their exercise levels.
However, the initiative will only be available in 10 areas of England to begin with.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, said: “This is the latest example of how the NHS, through our Long-Term Plan, is rapidly adopting the latest evidence-based treatments to help people stay well, maintain a healthy weight and avoid major diseases.
“There has never been a more important time to lose weight and put their type 2 diabetes into remission, so it’s good news for thousands of people across the country that practical, supportive measures like this are increasingly available on the NHS.”
