Doctors say a return to traditional Nepali food could help reverse the country’s rising type 2 diabetes rates. One in five Nepalis over 40 now lives with the condition, driven largely by western junk food. Many families cannot afford diabetes medication, and complications often cause severe disability or early death.
Small studies in Kathmandu and nearby communities show promising results. A calorie-controlled diet based on lentils and rice helped about half of participants achieve remission within months. The approach relies on modest weight loss and strong community support rather than drugs.
The research is led by University of Glasgow in partnership with Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal. Professor Mike Lean says people of south Asian heritage develop diabetes at lower weights but can also reverse it with smaller weight loss. Participants follow an eight-week low-calorie plan using local foods such as dal bhat, then shift to maintenance diets.
Health workers support patients in villages using basic tools and group sessions. Researchers also urge people to reduce processed foods, most of which exceed World Health Organization limits for sugar, fat, or salt. The team hopes the programme can prevent diabetes in high-risk groups and offer a low-cost solution for Nepal and neighbouring countries.
