Oh I Do Like To Eat (Healthily) By the Seaside
Written by Harry Turnbull
A doctor in a seaside town has slashed diabetes rates amongst patients.
Dr David Unwin’s practice has been championing low carbohydrate diets for more than a decade in Southport with significant success.
Results have been published in a medical paper* which shows 20% of diabetes patients in remission and many others seeing significant health benefits.
Those following the programme for 33 months saw an average weight loss of 10kgs and blood sugar readings reduced by 21 mmol.
The doctor has also produced an infographic which famously shows that -some so-called healthy foods contain large amounts of sugar.
He said “Delivery by a trusted health professional and frank discussion of the importance of weight loss would appear to have been important in bringing about the observed effects. Consistent long-term management was achieved by the primary care team.
“Ongoing support is essential in preventing a return to old habits. It is possible that for some people food, much like nicotine and alcohol may be addictive. This may explain why highly processed foods can be so challenging to give up permanently. We have found the idea of food addiction can help people better understand their relationship with food.”
The GP emphasises that embarking on a new style of eating is a lifestyle choice not a quick fix diet.
“Our programme is diet focused, the addition of exercise may well improve results further. An important part of the programme is the continued monitoring of weight allowing early detection of ‘slipping back’.
“We found that most people who know that carbs had crept back and realised they needed to return to what had worked before. This is where our open-access group work via Zoom helps. Those needing a refresher can join without an appointment.
“We have also learnt that anticipating and discussing challenging situations such as Christmas and holidays in advance helped our patients to plan before problems arose. For the many whose control slips, we have found it is helpful to ask afterwards ‘What could you do differently next time?’. With empathy and ongoing support our mistakes can be an opportunity to learn.”
Dr Unwin’s low carb diet sheet can be downloaded here: https://www.lowcarbprogram.com/articles/dr-david-unwin-low-carb-diet-sheet
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*Citation: David Unwin, Christine Delon, Jen Unwin, Simon Tobin, Roy Taylor – What predicts drug-free type 2 diabetes remission? Insights from an 8-year general practice service evaluation of a lower carbohydrate diet with weight loss: BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health
About the author
Our North of England Correspondent Harry Turnbull is an experienced journalist based in the north who has held a variety of reporting and editing roles in the media. Harry also writes a reviews column for the UK’s biggest archive of BBC radio dramas.
