Doctors say a return to Nepal’s traditional lentil and rice diet could help reverse soaring rates of type 2 diabetes. In Nepal, one in five people over 40 now lives with the condition, while medication remains largely unaffordable. Researchers found that a calorie-controlled version of staple dishes such as dal bhat helped many patients achieve remission.
A pilot study in Kathmandu placed 70 people with long-term diabetes on a traditional low-calorie diet. After four months, 43% no longer met the criteria for diabetes. An expanded trial in nearby communities has shown similar results. The research is led by University of Glasgow in partnership with Dhulikhel Hospital.
Prof Mike Lean said people of south Asian heritage develop diabetes at lower body weights but also need to lose less weight to reverse it. Participants typically lost just 4–5kg. Meals used cheap, local foods and avoided processed snacks and sugary products. Community health volunteers supported the programme, reducing the need for doctors or hospitals.
Researchers blame rising diabetes rates on western junk foods and lower physical activity. A recent study found most packaged foods sold in Kathmandu exceed World Health Organization limits for sugar, salt, or fat. Experts hope the Nepali model could offer an affordable solution for other countries facing similar diabetes epidemics.
