Reversing Nepal's Diabetes Epidemic - Study shows value of a return to traditional foods : Shared by Viviane Sakkal

Return to traditional food could help reverse Nepal's 'diabetes epidemic', studies suggest

Kat Lay, Global health correspondent, The Guardian, 10 February 2026

Click here for the article

Summary:

A return to traditional Nepali lentil and rice dishes could reverse type 2 diabetes in a country where one in five people over 40 has the condition and medication is largely un-affordable. A pilot study in Kathmandu involving 70 hospital patients with long-established diabetes helped 43% into remission by putting them on a calorie-controlled traditional diet. An ongoing trial involving 120 people in villages and communities has shown similar promise, with around half free from diabetes at four months with an average weight loss of only 4-5kg.

The approach is being rolled out as part of a four-year study led by the University of Glasgow in collaboration with Dhulikhel hospital, Nepal. Participants followed a weight loss plan of 850 calories daily for eight weeks—typically yoghurt and fruit for breakfast and dal bhat (lentils and rice) for main meals—then switched to a higher-calorie version to maintain their lower weight. 

People from Asian backgrounds are genetically predisposed to type 2 diabetes, meaning they only have to put on a smaller amount of weight before developing diabetes, but also don't have to lose much to reverse it. While UK patients might need to lose 10-15kg to reverse diabetes, in Nepal it's around half that amount.

The expanded study originally won UK government funding but fell victim to cuts, with the Howard Foundation stepping in with £1.78m to allow it to continue. A 2025 study found 87% of packaged foods sold in Kathmandu shops exceeded World Health Organization recommended thresholds for contents such as sugar, fat and salt.

Quotes:

Dr Ashish Tamang, a resident doctor based in Kathmandu: "For many families, diabetes is not just a medical condition, but a long-term social and economic burden."

Prof Mike Lean, diabetes and human nutrition expert from the University of Glasgow: "It is very early days but around half are free from diabetes at four months, with an average weight loss of only 4-5kg."

Prof Lean on Asian populations and diabetes: "They only have to put on a smaller amount of weight before they start getting diabetes. But it also means that they don't have to lose a lot to get rid of it."

Prof Lean on weight loss needed: "While UK patients might need to lose between 10 and 15kg to reverse their diabetes, in Nepal it's around half that. It makes the task a fair bit easier."

Prof Lean on the approach: "Not rocket science. But it was way more effective than any drug or medicine, and traditional medicines that don't do anything."

Trial design documents: The plan "stresses a disciplined (traditional) eating pattern, avoiding snacking and high-fat/sugar processed western-type foods."