Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a significant effect on people’s health and it often leads to further complications. It also demands huge time and budgetary resources from healthcare professionals. Studies have found a link between glycaemic control and reduced use of medication that does not compromise patients’ health, although they recognise that weight loss and dietary change are not easy. However, the recent DiRECT trial involving weight loss is the first to claim that remission of T2DM is possible.

The purpose of this article is to present a review of recent studies of the effects of advice concerning carbohydrate intake given to people recently diagnosed with T2DM, particularly their HbA1_c status, glycaemic control and general health. This is then evaluated against the DiRECT study, which demonstrates a clear link between weight loss, remission of T2DM and increased well-being. Particularly exciting is that this programme can be provided in primary care.