A return to Nepal’s traditional lentil-and-rice diet could help reverse a growing type 2 diabetes crisis, researchers say. Around one in five Nepalis over 40 now lives with the condition, driven largely by the spread of western processed foods and reduced physical activity. With diabetes medication often unaffordable, the disease brings severe health, social, and economic consequences for many families.
Small studies in Kathmandu and surrounding communities show promising results. In one pilot involving 70 hospital patients, 43% entered remission after following a calorie-controlled traditional diet. An ongoing community trial has seen about half of participants free from diabetes after four months, with modest weight loss. The research is led by University of Glasgow in partnership with Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal.
The diet focuses on simple, local foods such as dal bhat, yoghurt, fruit, and controlled portions, supported by community groups rather than hospitals. Researchers say people of South Asian origin develop diabetes at lower weights but can also reverse it with smaller weight loss. A study found that most packaged foods sold in Kathmandu exceed World Health Organization guidelines for sugar, fat, or salt, reinforcing concerns about processed food imports.
Experts believe the approach could also prevent diabetes in high-risk groups and may be relevant across south Asia. While funding challenges remain, researchers say returning to traditional eating patterns, combined with community support, could offer a low-cost and effective response to Nepal’s diabetes epidemic.
