Doctors say a return to Nepal’s traditional lentil and rice diet could help tackle a growing type 2 diabetes crisis. In Nepal, one in five people over 40 now has the condition, while medication remains unaffordable for many. Researchers report that calorie-controlled versions of foods such as dal bhat have helped large numbers of patients achieve remission.
Pilot studies in Kathmandu and nearby communities found that about half of participants reversed diabetes within months, with modest weight loss. The work is led by the University of Glasgow alongside Dhulikhel hospital. Professor Mike Lean said people of South Asian heritage often need to lose less weight to reverse diabetes, making the approach especially effective in Nepal.
The programme uses simple tools, community support and local volunteers rather than hospitals. Participants avoid processed foods and follow strict portion sizes. Researchers blame rising diabetes rates on western junk food, lower activity levels and refined white rice. They hope the approach could prevent diabetes in high-risk groups and offer a model for other countries facing similar epidemics.
