Nepal's Diabetes Epidemic May Be Solved with Ancient Cuisine
A ground-breaking study in Nepal suggests that returning to traditional lentil and rice dishes could help reverse the country's alarming diabetes epidemic. The trend of increasing type 2 diabetes cases, where one in five people over 40 are now affected, has prompted doctors to explore alternative solutions.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow and Dhulikhel hospital have developed a weight loss plan that incorporates cheap, local ingredients, such as yoghurt, fruit, lentils, and rice. The diet plan involves following an 850-calorie daily meal plan for eight weeks, with participants switching to a higher-calorie version to maintain their lower weight.
The study's lead expert, Prof Mike Lean, believes that this approach could be more effective in Nepal due to the country's genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes. "People from Asian backgrounds are genetically predisposed to type 2 diabetes, which means they only have to put on a smaller amount of weight before getting diagnosed," he explained.
In contrast, patients in the UK may need to lose between 10 and 15 kilograms to reverse their diabetes. The study's findings show that participants following this diet plan can lose an average of 4-5 kilograms after just four months, with around half experiencing complete remission from diabetes.
The researchers also highlighted the importance of avoiding processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt. According to a 2025 study, 87% of packaged food sold in Kathmandu shops exceeded World Health Organization recommended thresholds for these nutrients.
The approach has gained significant attention globally, with officials from neighboring countries approaching Dr Lean for advice on how to tackle rising diabetes rates. The expanded study, which has received ยฃ1.78m funding from the Howard Foundation, aims to create educational materials on the drivers of diabetes and promote a healthier lifestyle in Nepal.
A ground-breaking study in Nepal suggests that returning to traditional lentil and rice dishes could help reverse the country's alarming diabetes epidemic. The trend of increasing type 2 diabetes cases, where one in five people over 40 are now affected, has prompted doctors to explore alternative solutions.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow and Dhulikhel hospital have developed a weight loss plan that incorporates cheap, local ingredients, such as yoghurt, fruit, lentils, and rice. The diet plan involves following an 850-calorie daily meal plan for eight weeks, with participants switching to a higher-calorie version to maintain their lower weight.
The study's lead expert, Prof Mike Lean, believes that this approach could be more effective in Nepal due to the country's genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes. "People from Asian backgrounds are genetically predisposed to type 2 diabetes, which means they only have to put on a smaller amount of weight before getting diagnosed," he explained.
In contrast, patients in the UK may need to lose between 10 and 15 kilograms to reverse their diabetes. The study's findings show that participants following this diet plan can lose an average of 4-5 kilograms after just four months, with around half experiencing complete remission from diabetes.
The researchers also highlighted the importance of avoiding processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt. According to a 2025 study, 87% of packaged food sold in Kathmandu shops exceeded World Health Organization recommended thresholds for these nutrients.
The approach has gained significant attention globally, with officials from neighboring countries approaching Dr Lean for advice on how to tackle rising diabetes rates. The expanded study, which has received ยฃ1.78m funding from the Howard Foundation, aims to create educational materials on the drivers of diabetes and promote a healthier lifestyle in Nepal.