14kg Lighter, Meds Reduced: Wheeling Towards Better Health

Gut Health Restored, Control Regained: An Emeritus Professor's Story

Name - Dr. Chandra Sainathan
Age - 73 Years Young
Profession - Emeritus Professor, IIT Madras
Place - Mumbai, Maharashtra

Hello all,
I am Dr. Chandra Sainathan, a retired Emeritus Professor of Biotechnology from IIT Madras. As a scientist and a fighter, I have faced life’s challenges— infantile polio with paralysis of waist and lower limbs , diabetes, and digestive issues—With resilience, a sharp mind, and unwavering will.

Key Takeaways

Medicine reduced
Weight loss 14 kg
Digestion improved

My Diabetes Story

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around 2000 during a routine check-up. Despite a strong academic and professional life, My HbA1c never dropped below 8–8.5, even with medication.

I had no major symptoms initially, But high sugar levels led to long-term diabetes management. While there was no diabetes on my father’s side, My mother and grandmother had it, Hinting at a genetic link.

About two years ago, I started facing severe gastric issues — Frequent motions, gas, and digestive discomfort. These symptoms disrupted my daily life, And a local doctor traced the cause to high doses of metformin.

How was FFD introduced and what made me choose it?

My doctor recommended Freedom from Diabetes (FFD), having seen it help many patients. With cautious hope and scientific curiosity, I joined the FFD program in June 2024, aiming to get off metformin and restore my gut health.

Dr. Chandra Sainathan

Reversal Story

When I joined FFD, My medications were reassessed. I was on insulin and oral antidiabetics, Including a drug from the Udapa group that caused itching and frequent urination.

After antibody testing, FFD doctors confirmed insulin was necessary, But they helped reduce my overall medication load.

Now, I take just three medicines, including a gentler form of metformin and insulin, and my digestion and sugar levels are much better.

Even my BP meds are down to one tablet a day.

Before FFD, I weighed 70 kg, mainly due to insulin, limited mobility, and dietary issues. Being wheelchair-bound from childhood polio, My exercise options are limited to bed exercises, gentle arm movements, and breathing practices.

Yet, by strictly following the FFD diet—cutting out dairy, fried foods, and irritants—I lost nearly 14 kg and now weigh 56.6 kg.

Though I did not attend formal IT sessions, My life has been one of deep inner strength. Polio at 1.5 years did not stop me from earning a Ph.D. from IISc Bangalore, Doing postdoctoral research abroad at US & Germany, & Teaching at IIT Madras for over 40 years.

I now live in Mumbai with my husband, Son and Daughter in-law. My husband has always been a great support to me and particularly motivated me during the last one year of FFD program to regain my health.

I do limited exercises on bed and for arms and follow Dr. Tripathi’s breathing practices regularly.

I am a vegetarian and strictly follow the FFD diet and medication advised by the FFD team assigned to me .

With FFD’s support, I have reduced my medicines, improved my digestion, and regained control—driven by science, structure, and spirit.