The low carb approach is being considered by the government to be used in its official nutritional advice for people with type 2 diabetes.
An independent committee of scientific experts has published a draft document on how the diet can improve health outcomes for people with the condition.
Now, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) is requesting healthcare professionals and leading experts to review the draft report before it is officially published.
Representatives from Diabetes UK, NHS England, the British Dietetic Association, the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of GPs also assisted the SACN in drawing up the guidance.
At the moment, Public Health England’s (PHE) nutritional advice for people with type 2 diabetes is based on the Eatwell Guide. The current approach suggests approximately 50% of dietary intake should consist of starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread and rice.
Typically, a low carb diet will consist of 130g or less of carbohydrate a day. This means focusing on eating fats, proteins like meat, poultry, fish and eggs, and some non-starchy vegetables.
In recent years, studies have demonstrated the low carb approach can be hugely effective at managing blood sugar levels and achieving weight loss among those with type 2 diabetes.
Peer-reviewed outcomes from the award-winning Low Carb Program show 1 in 4 members are able to put type 2 diabetes into remission after 1 year. It is a behaviour change platform for adults with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and obesity designed to provide the education, resources and support people need to achieve their health goals.
Dr Adrienne Cullum, head of nutrition science at PHE, said: “The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), with support from a range of partners including Diabetes UK and NHSE, have undertaken a thorough review of the evidence on low carb diets for adults with type 2 diabetes.
“SACN is consulting on the draft report to make sure it has considered all the relevant evidence, and to invite comments on the draft conclusions.”
Once SACN has considered all the responses to the consultation, it will publish its final report and make recommendations to the government. The consultation period closes on April 30, 2020.
