Following your Special Report on diabetes in the March issue, I must enquire whether you are familiar with the classic work of T.L. Cleave - The Saccharine Disease? The concept of a single ‘saccharine disease’ encompasses many apparently unrelated conditions, all due primarily to the consumption of refined-carbohydrate foods. This is a meticulously argued and carefully documented theory. The research dates from the 1930s onwards and is referenced in detail.

As well as diabetes, other conditions linked to refined carbohydrates include varicose veins, coronary artery disease, appendicitis, cholecystitis, diverticular disease and more.

There is a singularly interesting chapter detailing the relationship between peptic ulcer and refined-carboyhydrate intake.

Cleave also has convincing ideas regarding the role of overconsumption of refined carbohydrates in the causation of hiatus hernia and gout.

This man has many papers and books to his name extending over many years, and there are many other researchers and doctors who back up his theories, but he seems to have been forgotten or ignored. - Francesca Tox, Nesbon, Cheshire