I'm thinking of the appointment where the diagnosis is given first of all. My feeling is that we need to get back down to basics with information and approach, not bombarding the patient with info that they may not be able to take in. In no particular order..
Explain that carbohydrate is sugar, this is what it turns to in the blood. How many people arrive at this forum not realising that carbs have a major role to play, that say that have cut out sweet things like coke and chocolate? We make the link here on the forum but it is often missed out at the first appt- it needs to be spelt out clearly. Not just the newly diagnosed being told they need to give up sugar.
Offer a meter and test strips for a short period of time and give the target levels to be attained. Yes, I know, and I'm of the belief they should be freely prescribed for those who want them, but giving them to somebody, say for a month, with a follow up appt will show if they intend to use the info to make changes. I agree that not everybody is willing, and I'd rather they go to those who will use them, than end up on Ebay.
Banish the Eatwell plate to a galaxy far, far away. Again, keep it simple - people are more likely to follow advice if they don't feel overwhelmed. Tell them to halve the amounts of bread, pasta, rice and potatoes that they usually eat and increase the veg and protein.
I know the thoughts of many about LCHF, but the bottom line is that the NHS does not share this viewpoint, and will not advise a newly diagnosed patient to follow that way of eating. Harm minimisation should be the key, getting someone to reduce their carbs initially and lower their blood glucose levels.
Obviously it would be great if they could be pointed in this direction, but I think it's safe to say they will normally (if at all) be pointed towards DUK, as they are the recognised charity. I found this forum by accident, thinking it was DUK and I would hazard a guess there are a lot of us who did the same thing. Guess we can only hope with that one.