Doctors say a return to traditional Nepali foods could help reverse the country’s growing type 2 diabetes epidemic. In Nepal, about one in five people over 40 has diabetes, while medication remains largely unaffordable. Researchers found that diets based on lentils and rice, eaten by earlier generations, can push the disease into remission.
Pilot studies in Kathmandu and nearby communities showed that about half of participants achieved remission within months on a calorie-controlled traditional diet. The research is led by the University of Glasgow in partnership with Dhulikhel Hospital. Prof Mike Lean said Nepalis often need to lose only a small amount of weight to reverse diabetes, making diet-based treatment especially effective.
Participants followed an eight-week plan of around 850 calories a day, centred on dal bhat, before moving to maintenance diets. Community support and local health volunteers helped deliver the programme without relying on hospitals. Researchers blame rising diabetes rates on western processed foods, reduced physical activity, and nutrient-poor white rice. They hope the approach can prevent diabetes in high-risk groups and offer a low-cost solution for Nepal and neighbouring countries.
