Traditional Nepali foods could help reverse a growing type 2 diabetes epidemic, researchers say.
Doctors point to lentils and rice replacing western junk foods as a low-cost solution.
Around one in five Nepalis over 40 lives with type 2 diabetes.
Medication often remains unaffordable, worsening health and economic hardship.
A pilot study in Kathmandu placed patients on a calorie-controlled traditional diet.
Forty-three percent achieved remission within months.
A wider community trial shows similar results, with modest weight loss.
Researchers say Asian populations need less weight loss to reverse diabetes.
The project is led by the University of Glasgow with Dhulikhel Hospital.
It uses local foods like dal bhat and community-based support.
Experts blame rising diabetes on imported processed foods and lower activity levels.
They say traditional diets may offer an effective, affordable prevention strategy.
