Diabetes UK have to take a pragmatic view.
Their advice has to be pitched at their majority audience, and has to be acceptable.
Small improvements are better than no improvements.
Who knows, small improvements may lead to bigger improvements.
However the initial targets have to be achievable.
Cut down is more achievable than cut out.
Trying to think of an exercise comparison.
For example, couch to 5k is generally achievable.
6 weeks to a half marathon is significantly harder (did this decades back) and only practical for the determined and already at least minimally fit.
If the exercise part of "diet and exercise" was a 6 week course to a half marathon I don't think many people would go with the plan.
I don't agree with a lot of the DUK diet advice, but I can see why they might offer some of it.
I'll start by saying none of this is aimed at you
@LittleGreyCat. You've raised some very interesting and balanced points, and you've made your personal position very clear.
My issue with the standard dietary advice for diabetics is that it's the easy route out for those offering it. It's likely fair to say that many of those diagnosed with diabetes don't want to hear that they have to cut carbs, but that doesn't change the fact it's the advice that
should be given. The advice doesn't even need to go as far as low carb and keto, but just for starters it definitely needs to rein in the amount of bread, pasta, rice and potato being pushed.
To use an analogy, kids like exploring. It would be easier to let them just freely explore, and even if they approach the cupboard with the cleaning supplies and chemicals, you could take the easy route and not intervene. You could avoid those pesky tantrums, arguments and the battle of trying to tell them what they don't want to hear, but it's not the responsible approach. In fact, if you just allowed the toddler to merrily root through the cleaning cupboard and drink bleach, you'd be prosecuted for child neglect as a minimum. Parents aren't paid or trained, yet they're legally responsible for not being negligent to children in their care. Meanwhile, medical professionals are trained and paid, and charities rake in millions, yet they're allowed to freely recommend diabetics just bang 50g+ of carbs per meal down their necks without any caution or responsibility for that whatsoever.
It just doesn't sit right with me to be honest. Professional responsibility and accountability should be a concern at some stage along the way, rather than avoiding difficult conversations with people that don't want to hear it.