A Writer's Journey: Finding Calm & Control Over Diabetes with FFD

My Inside-Out Transformation with FFD

Name - Mrs. Manjulaa Shirodkar
Age - 56 Years Young
Profession - Journalist
Place - Delhi

Hello all,

I am Manjulaa Shirodkar, a seasoned journalist turned author. For years, I reported on stories that shaped public opinion, and now, I write narratives that reflect deep understanding of life’s complexities.

Key Takeaways

Medicine reduced
Weight loss 9 kgs
Inch loss – 6-5 inches
Feeling calm & peaceful

My Diabetes Story

Twenty-two years ago, a stubborn boil on my back led to a diagnosis of Hypothyroidism and borderline diabetes.

With a family history from my mother’s side, I wasn’t surprised and didn’t have major symptoms.

In February 2020, My HbA1c shot up to 11 because responsibilities, stress and neglect of one’s health took a toll.

Overweight and irregular with monitoring, I was given an ultimatum by my sister-in-law (a diabetologist) to start insulin or switch doctors.

I requested time — she gave a month. I asked for three.

Fortuitously, COVID lockdown was announced just after. Stranded in Delhi for eight months while my husband was in Mumbai, I focused on health.

I dived deep into lifestyle research, revamped diet and began exercising.

This wasn’t my first battle. In early 30s I weighed 81 kgs, up 29 kgs from an athletic 50! I joined a gym, lost 13 kgs in 4 months despite a demanding journalism career.

Sugars improved but hypothyroidism persisted.

By Feb 2020, I touched 81.4 kgs again. During the lockdown when I lost 12.5 kgs, My HbA1C came to 7 but by 2021, My body hit a plateau.

Multiple diets and exercise plans failed. By 2023, I was exhausted and demoralized.

Friends assured that with aging, weight and health issues would stay - Supported by medication. I manifested more weight, joint pains, insomnia, lethargy.

Inside me, a small voice goaded ‘this is not you’. Yet, my body remained a rebel!

How did FFD happen?

Freedom from Diabetes (FFD) ads kept popping up on social media timelines. I listened, hesitated and avoided.

Meanwhile, friends enrolled and spoke highly of it. My scepticism about its sustainability held me back.

Despite believing in natural healing, I hesitated to invest. I finally took a leap of faith after witnessing two close friends' success stories, One aged 74!

Mrs. Manjulaa Shirodkar

Reversal Story

Then my friend invited me for an FFDians’ meet. Dr Tripathi and Dr Ganla were visiting too.

The mood in the auditorium was buoyant, The energy addictive. Dr Tripathi invited individuals who had reversed their diabetic condition to share their journeys.

Afterwards, we met Dr Tripathi and he cleared my friend’s doubts – While others waited. Then we met Dr Ganla. He was gracious enough to invite us both for coffee. We had a friendly chat - filled with laughter and anecdotes.

Everything about life was up for discussion – except weight loss or diabetes. By the time the meeting got over, I had mentally signed up.

The FFD team studied my case in detail and designed a tailor-made plan.

When I joined in February 2025, my HbA1c was 8.06. Three months on, the tests show that it is 6.7 and weight has reduced by 9 kgs!

In Feb I weighed 82 kgs, a number I hated. My FFD dietitian and doctor told me to treat it as just ‘a number’. I have lost kgs and inches – there’s loss of visceral fat too.

My medication is down from two tablets daily to just two halves. I know if I follow the program 100%, I'll get 100% results.

Diabetes is not about being in a constant state of worry about eating, medicines and exercising.

FFD demonstrates that lifestyle changes are possible if you understand the science behind the transformation. It’s easy to stay on course as assigned experts always have your back.

FFD has taken the fear out of the disease for me.

The biggest change has been psychological. Dr. Mayurika's Inner Transformation sessions have been beautiful. She taught me to observe my thoughts and situations, bringing a deep sense of peace.

The stress I once considered "normal" can be navigated. Observation has taught me to detach and not be upset.