Doctors say a return to Nepal’s traditional lentil-and-rice diet could help curb a growing type 2 diabetes epidemic. In Nepal, around one in five people over 40 has the condition, while diabetes medication remains largely unaffordable. Experts link the rise to western-style processed foods and reduced physical activity.
Small studies in Kathmandu and nearby communities show promising results. Nearly half of participants achieved diabetes remission after following a calorie-controlled traditional diet for several months. The programme focuses on simple meals such as dal bhat, strict portion control, and community support, rather than drugs or hospital care.
Ashish Tamang said diabetes places a heavy social and economic burden on families. Mike Lean of University of Glasgow said people of south Asian heritage develop diabetes at lower weights, but also need to lose less weight to reverse it. He added that the approach may be more effective in Nepal than in wealthier countries.
The wider four-year study, run with Dhulikhel Hospital, aims to show the diet can also prevent diabetes. Researchers blame soaring rates on the spread of junk food, noting that most packaged foods in Kathmandu exceed World Health Organization limits for sugar, fat, or salt. If successful, experts believe the low-cost model could help other countries facing similar health challenges.
