A return to traditional Nepali foods could help reverse the country’s growing type 2 diabetes crisis, researchers say. In Nepal, about one in five people over 40 has diabetes, while medication remains largely unaffordable. Doctors now hope that simple dietary changes and community support can offer an effective alternative.
Studies show that meals based on lentils and rice, known as dal bhat, have helped many patients achieve remission. A pilot study in Kathmandu saw 43% of long-term diabetes patients reverse the condition on a calorie-controlled traditional diet. A larger community trial has reported similar results within four months, with modest weight loss.
The research is led by the University of Glasgow in partnership with Dhulikhel hospital in Nepal. Professor Mike Lean said people of south Asian background develop diabetes at lower weights, but also need to lose less weight to reverse it. Participants followed an 850-calorie diet using local foods, then shifted to maintenance meals, supported by community health volunteers.
Researchers blame soaring diabetes rates on the spread of western processed foods and lower activity levels. They believe the approach could also prevent diabetes in high-risk groups and may work across south Asia.
