Milestones DM2 FAQs

1. What is Milestones DM2?
Milestones DM2 is a personalised weight management programme for type 2 diabetes which follows 3 core stages: the first is a total diet replacement phase using OPTIFAST® shakes and soups for 8 – 12 weeks, supported by your dedicated dietitian via phone or app communication; the second is a 4-four-week reintroduction of food and establishing new habits; and the third is the maintenance phase where you will continue your journey to improved health.
2. Who is Oviva?
Oviva is a health care services provider and provides the Milestones DM2 programme. Oviva has a number of clinical programmes for conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, and these programmes are tailored to the needs of each individual.
Uniquely, Oviva uses a combination of phone calls and a smartphone app to provide more frequent contact and self-monitoring support for people on its programmes. This allows Oviva to deliver high-quality clinical outcomes in a cost-efficient manner.
3. Who is Nestlé Health Science?
Nestlé Health Science is a health-science company engaged in advancing the role of nutrition to change the course of health for consumers, patients and our partners in healthcare. Through investing in innovation and leveraging leading edge science, they bring forward innovative nutritional strategies with proven clinical, health economic value and quality of life benefits.
4. Who delivers the programme?
The programme is run by experienced diabetes specialist dietitians, and supported by diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs), diabetologists, psychologists and exercise therapists (NHS patients only).
5. What is a dietitian?
A dietitian is a qualified healthcare professional who is regulated by the UK Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and whose title is also protected by law. They hold either a four year degree in dietetics, or a science degree followed by a two year postgraduate qualification. A dietitian has supervised and assessed professional practice in clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy and food service management.
6. Am I suitable for the programme?

Your eligibility for this programme is assessed against a set criteria by a team of healthcare professionals including a psychologists, dietitian, diabetes specialist nurse and a diabetologist.
The criteria looks at the following;

  • Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (within the last 8 years)
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 kg/m2 (overweight) and 50 kg/m2 (obese)
  • Aged between 18 and 75 years
  • Access and ability to use a phone or tablet
  • Successful completion of a health screen by a dietitian

Please note if you meet all of the above this does not mean you are automatically suitable for the programme.

7. Am I eligible for the programme if taking insulin?
Yes, you are still eligible for the programme whilst taking insulin, and will be supported by a diabetes specialist nurse over the duration, as you may be required to check your blood sugar levels more frequently.
8. Are there side effects to a total diet replacement plan?
You may experience some side effects over the course of the programme, but you will be supported by your dietitian to help overcome or manage these. These can include lethargy, hunger, constipation, dizziness, feeling cold, dry skin, diarrhoea, headaches and nausea.
9. What is the Milestones DM2 app?
The Milestones DM2 app is a simple and convenient way to get on the go advice and support from your dietitian, without needing to wait for your next appointment. You can use the app to keep track of your diet and lifestyle, share this information with your dietitian and get feedback that’s tailored to your needs.
10. Can I exercise during the programme?
We recommend light, gentle exercise during the programme, but if you choose to embark on new rigorous exercise regimes wait until the food reintroduction phase.
11. Can I eat food during the 8-12 week total diet replacement phase?
In addition to the 3 OPTIFAST® shakes or soups, you have an allowance of 200kcal per day for non-starchy vegetables.
12. How do I access the OPTIFAST® shakes and soups?
You can order the OPTIFAST® shakes and soups through your Milestones DM2 dietitian. The product will be delivered to your home.
13. Is my data protected?
Your medical record, including personal information such as name, address and the content of any communication with your dietitian will be kept strictly confidential. Oviva is NHS Information Governance Toolkit Level 2 Certified. For more information about how we store and use your data, please see the full Oviva Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policy, available here: https://oviva.com/uk/terms-conditions/.
14. What if I have an allergy? Would the Milestones DM2 programme be suitable for me?
This programme includes using a total diet replacement product, please check this ingredient list here. If you have an allergy, please inform your dietitian, GP, doctor or nurse and they can determine if the programme is suitable for you.
15. Will my GP be notified if I join the programme?
When you join Milestones DM2, we will discuss with you how we will share information about your care. With your consent, we will notify your GP to ensure ongoing safe management of your diabetes.