Traditional Nepali cuisine could be the key to reversing the country's diabetes epidemic, according to recent studies. Doctors suggest a return to the traditional lentil and rice dishes, which have been a staple in Nepali households for generations, could help combat the rise of type 2 diabetes. This condition is prevalent in Nepal, with one in five adults over 40 affected (source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35193925/).
The traditional diet, which is calorie-controlled and affordable, has shown remarkable results in diabetes remission. In a pilot study involving 70 patients in Kathmandu, 43% achieved remission by following a traditional diet (source: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lansea/article/PIIS2772-3682(24)00115-X/fulltext). An ongoing trial with 120 participants in rural areas has also shown promising outcomes.
Prof. Mike Lean, a diabetes expert, explains that the traditional Nepali diet is effective because it focuses on weight loss, which is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. Unlike in the UK, where patients might need to lose 10-15kg, Nepali patients only need to lose around half that amount. This makes the diet more accessible and manageable.
The study's approach is based on a four-year research project led by the University of Glasgow, in collaboration with Dhulikhel hospital. They aim to demonstrate that the diet can prevent diabetes in high-risk individuals. The plan includes using local, affordable ingredients like lentils and rice, known as dal bhat, and avoiding processed western foods.
A 2025 study revealed that 87% of packaged foods in Kathmandu exceeded recommended thresholds for sugar, fat, and salt (source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40740674/). This highlights the importance of traditional Nepali cuisine in combating diabetes.
Prof. Lean emphasizes that the solution is not complex. He believes it's more effective than medication and traditional medicines. He also encourages the use of brown rice over double-milled white rice, as it contains more nutrients, including Vitamin B1, which is essential for carbohydrate metabolism.
The study has received funding from the Howard Foundation to continue its research and create educational materials on diabetes prevention. Prof. Lean attributes the rise in diabetes rates to the influx of western junk food, which has become prevalent in Nepal due to improved transportation.
The study team also mentions that lower activity levels, influenced by technological advancements, contribute to the increasing diabetes rates. However, the traditional Nepali diet, with its focus on weight loss and affordable ingredients, offers a promising solution to this growing health concern.
