Doctors say Nepal’s traditional lentil and rice diet could help reverse a growing diabetes epidemic.
One in five Nepalis over 40 now lives with type 2 diabetes.
Medication often remains unaffordable, turning diabetes into a social and economic burden.
Studies show calorie-controlled traditional meals can push diabetes into remission.
A pilot study in Kathmandu helped 43% of patients reverse the condition.
A larger community trial shows similar results after four months.
Mike Lean from University of Glasgow leads the research with Dhulikhel Hospital.
Participants lost only 4–5kg on average.
Experts say Asian populations need less weight loss to reverse diabetes.
The diet uses local foods like dal bhat, yoghurt, fruit, and brown rice.
Community volunteers deliver the programme without hospitals or doctors.
Researchers blame western processed foods and lower activity for rising diabetes rates.
They hope the approach can also prevent diabetes across south Asia.
