Tuned pipes and mufflers do work on our diesels. The results will depend on how "peaky" the engine pipe combo is. If the combo is set up for very high power, I think it will be very hard to throttle well. The thing to consider is that a pipe potentially accomplishes two things. First it helps scavenge the cylinder. This makes sure all of the spent gases are removed and fresh charge is drawn in from the crankcase. Second it can help pack the cylinder after the transfers close by pressurizing the clyinder just before the exhaust port closes. The first is beneficial to any engine. The second might not work too well in our diesels because you must reduce compression settings to get proper timing. This potentially reduces power output, and causes issues when the engine is "off the pipe".

A broadly tuned system(engine and pipe) should work just fine with a diesel. I say system because both play a part.