Banker Shankar Kotian Regained Health and Energy with FFD’s Holistic Approach
I Lost 5 Kg in 3 Months & Improved Gut Health!
- Name - Mr. Shankar Narayan Kotian
- Age - 56 Years Young
- Profession - Senior Vice President, HDFC Bank
- Place - Mumbai,Maharashtra.
Hello, I’m Shankar Narayan Kotian, a Senior Vice President with HDFC Bank, Mumbai. I’ve been living with diabetes for over 21 years, a condition that ran in my family and claimed both my parents before the age of 60. Despite being physically active and health-conscious, I struggled for years to manage my sugars.
Key Takeaways
- HbA1c reduced from 12.5 to 7.0 in 5 months
- Lost 5 kg (66 kg to 61 kg); currently maintains BMI 21–22 in 5 months
- Off all diabetes tablets; continues only minimal insulin
- Gut health and digestion improved significantly
- Learnt the real connection between stress, food, and blood sugar
- Runs marathons, practices yoga, and maintains an active lifestyle
- Regained energy, focus, and better work-life balance
My Diabetes Story
My diabetes journey began around 2003–2004 when I started feeling unusually thirsty and began losing weight rapidly.
A test confirmed diabetes. Given my strong family history, I knew what it meant. Both my parents were diabetic, and sadly, both passed away before the age of 58.
For years, I took multiple oral medications and insulin yet my HbA1c remained stubbornly high, touching 12.5 at one point.
Despite consulting top specialists in Mumbai, including those from renowned hospitals, nothing helped.
My sugars refused to settle, and I began experiencing bloating, fatigue, and digestive discomfort alongside mounting stress from my high-pressure job.
How FFD Was Introduced to Me
I came across Freedom From Diabetes (FFD) through Facebook videos and articles featuring Dr. Pramod Tripathi.
Around the same time, one of my colleagues, Mr. Prashanth Sharma, who is also a marathoner, spoke highly of FFD and his experience.
That encouraged me to join the program. I wanted to try something holistic and science-backed rather than continuing an endless cycle of medicines.
Mr. Shankar Narayan Kotian
My Reversal Journey
When I joined FFD, my HbA1c was 12.5. I began following the food and lifestyle protocols sincerely eliminating dairy, learning about gut health, and adopting natural meal practices.
Within a short time, my sugar levels began dropping for the first time in years.
Though my demanding corporate schedule limited full adherence, I still followed around 70% of FFD’s recommendations, and even that made a remarkable difference.
My HbA1c dropped to 7.0, and I was able to completely stop all diabetes tablets.
I also lost 5 kg from 66 to 61 in 3 months.
Due to a sensitive digestive system, I continue with insulin (12 units twice daily, plus a small night dose) while using FFD’s Ayurvedic support for gut healing.
My digestion, bloating, and energy have all improved significantly.
Athletic Identity
I’ve always been athletic, running marathons since 2013. My best half-marathon was 21 km in 2 hours 10 minutes.
After COVID, my stamina reduced, but I’m rebuilding steadily.
Even with my busy banking schedule, I maintain fitness through daily yoga, push-ups, Surya Namaskar, stair climbing, and running on weekends.
I often climb multiple floors at work instead of taking the lift, a small but powerful habit that keeps me active and motivated.
Current Lifestyle & Reflection
I’ve learned that stress and gut health play a crucial role in blood sugar balance.
FFD taught me what conventional medicine never did; the impact of milk, sleep, and emotional health on diabetes.
Their research videos, especially on gut health, helped me understand how probiotics and nutrition influence my overall well-being.
