A return to traditional Nepali foods could help reverse soaring rates of type 2 diabetes, researchers say. In Nepal, around one in five people over 40 lives with the condition, while medication remains largely unaffordable. Doctors warn diabetes brings serious complications, including kidney disease, blindness, and early death.
Studies suggest that lentils and rice, long staples of Nepali diets, can help put diabetes into remission. A pilot study in Kathmandu found that 43% of patients achieved remission after following a calorie-controlled traditional diet. An ongoing community trial shows similar results, with about half of participants diabetes-free after four months.
The research is led by the University of Glasgow in partnership with Dhulikhel Hospital. Professor Mike Lean says people of south Asian background develop diabetes at lower weights but can also reverse it with modest weight loss. Participants follow an eight-week, low-calorie plan based on yoghurt, fruit, lentils, and rice, then move to a maintenance diet.
The programme relies on community support rather than hospitals, using local volunteers to monitor progress. Researchers blame rising diabetes rates on imported ultra-processed foods. A recent study found most packaged foods in Kathmandu exceed World Health Organization limits for sugar, fat, or salt.
Funding cuts threatened the project, but the Howard Foundation has provided £1.78m to continue the work. Researchers hope the approach could also help prevent diabetes and serve as a model for other countries facing similar epidemics.
