DUK do publish documentation on diet. Their "Position Statement" can be read on line. Seems as if the DUK website is off line at the moment so I can't link. They also publish a comprehensive documentation of studies.
I have previous noted:
I know of at least two long term studies of low carb:
A 44 month (& ongoing) Swedish study, (citation 13 in D UK Position Statement) which states: “ the present high-carbohydrate dietary advice resulting in unnecessary hyperglycemia and insulin resistance seems difficult to support and for diabetes patients, current dietary recommendations seem to be a major part of their problem rather than being part of the solution. Carbohydrate restriction, however, reverses or neutralises all aspects of the metabolic syndrome.”
Dr. Mark Daly, Consultant diabetologist, the MacLeod Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, Exeter responded to my query:
“We have presented our results at 3 national and 1 international meetings.
We found no serious adverse effects over 2 years but not everyone is as good at sticking to low carbohydrate diets as you.”
Deep in their website is a link to a comprehensive “Evidence-based nutrition guidelines” document which includes on P. 17:
“Low-carbohydrate diets have created some controversy, but both a recent review and meta-analysis suggest that they are associated with significant reductions in body weight and improvements in glycaemic control.......
Concern has been expressed about the potential adverse effects of these diets, especially on cardiovascular risk, but there remains no evidence of harm over the short term.”
I have the 2003 issue of "Balance" which issued dire warnings against low carb, specifically Atkins. These warnings have been forgotten except for "
Concern has been expressed ..." but it is now evident that such concern is spurious. My notes from that follow:
.... warnings of the dangers of "breakdown of vital muscle & body tissues" or "increased risk of heart disease, cancers & bowel disorders" or "the risk of kidney disease." Such a diet may be "suitable ... with medical supervision & with guidance from a state-registered dietitian."
A key paragraph is: "Research into the long-term effects of low-carb diets is now required. And in response to this, Diabetes UK is funding such research."
Eight years on we have the 2011 D UK “Position Statement” where we read:
"More research is needed to assess the effectiveness of varying degrees of low-carbohydrate diet on weight, glycaemic control, hypertension and lipid profile in people with Type 2 diabetes as well as to investigate the long term effects of these diets."
I can't wait for yet more long term studies - I've too much to lose. I followed their "healthy diet" for 7 years & was crippled by the complications. My low-carb diet started in May 2008. The complications disappeared in 3 months. Six years on I am well & active.