* Rising diabetes Burden in South Asia

- Type 2 diabetes cases are increasing rapidly across South Asia, including india and Nepal.

- lifestyle changes and modern eating habits are major contributors.

- Urbanization and packaged food consumption have accelerated risk.

- health systems data-face growing long-term treatment costs.

- Early prevention is now a regional priority.

* New international Research Project

- A major study called CoDIAPREM is launching in Nepal.

- Led by the university of Glasgow, Scotland.

- Partner institution: Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal.

- Focus: diet change as a diabetes prevention and remission tool.

- Research targets community-level, low-cost solutions.

* Study Timeline and Funding

- Project duration: 2026–2030 (four years).

- Funding support: £1.78 million grant.

- Backed by an international foundation.

- Led by professor Michael Lean, adiabetes and nutrition expert.

- Designed for real-world public health impact.

* Core Research Question

- Can returning to traditional diets reduce diabetes risk?

- Can reducing ultra-processed foods reverse early disease?

- Can modest weight loss drive remission?

- Can results be sustained long term?

- Can this model work in low-resource settings?

* Why nepal Is a Key Test Case

- Type 2 diabetes was once rare in Nepal.

- Rates increased with processed, high-calorie food intake.

- Weight gain trends mirror disease growth.

- Estimated 1 in 5 adults over 40 now affected.

- Treatment costs remain difficult for many families.

* What the Program Will Do

- Promote traditional, minimally processed foods.

- Reduce ultra-processed and packaged food intake.

- Encourage modest, sustainable weight loss.

- Deliver interventions through community volunteers.

- Avoid hospital-only program limitations.

* Expected health Outcomes

- Fewer new diabetes cases.

- Better blood sugar control.

- Possible medication-free remission for some patients.

- Lower long-term healthcare costs.

- Sustainable dietary behavior change.

* Scientific Background

- Global evidence links ultra-processed foods with obesity.

- Obesity contributes to insulin resistance.

- Excess fat harms liver and pancreatic function.

- Blood sugar regulation worsens with weight gain.

- WHO and IDF highlight diet as a major risk driver.

* Early Signs Are Promising

- Pilot studies in nepal showed encouraging results.

- Interventions were low-cost and practical.

- Community delivery proved feasible.

- Participants achieved weight reduction.

- A larger trial will test scalability and durability.

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