From 13 HbA1c to Healthier, Stronger & Energized – Shilpa’s FFD Transformation

20 Years of Diabetes with HbA1c from at 13, Now I Reduced it to 10.3
- Name - Mrs. Shilpa Varadharajan
- Age - 38 Years Young
- Profession - Consultant
- Place - Pune,Maharashtra
I’m Shilpa Varadharajan, a consultant from Pune specializing in designing acoustic spaces. My journey with diabetes began when I was just 20 years old, following a severe episode of seizures caused by a tapeworm in my brain. During tests, my blood sugar measured an alarming 460 mg/dl, marking my official diabetes diagnosis.
Key Takeaways
- Home glucose readings reduced from 320–350 mg/dl to 180–200 mg/dl
- Weight loss: 4.5 (87.5 kg to 83 kg)
- Gained flexibility, energy, and mental clarity
My Story
Diabetes runs strongly in my family, so genetically, I was at high risk. Growing up, poor dietary habits, irregular meals, and sleep issues also contributed to the onset of diabetes.
Initially, I was on insulin for three months, and then oral medications. Over time, my medications increased, and my HbA1c reached a high of 13. Over the years, constant brain fog and fatigue affected my work and daily life.
Initially, I was on insulin for three months, and then oral medications. Over time, my medications increased, and my HbA1c reached a high of 13. Over the years, constant brain fog and fatigue affected my work and daily life.
How FFD Was Introduced to Me
I first joined FFD around the time of COVID-19 but could not continue due to work stress and routine disruptions. In 2025, after meeting Dr. Malhar and Dr. Pramod Tripathi, I felt motivated to rejoin.
Their guidance and structured approach convinced me this was the right time to take control of my health.
Their guidance and structured approach convinced me this was the right time to take control of my health.
Reversal Story
Since rejoining FFD in January 2025, I have seen remarkable improvements in my health. My home blood sugar readings have come down from 320–350 mg/dl to a much more manageable 180–200 mg/dl.
Alongside this, I have lost weight, going from 87.5 kg to 83 kg, and have noticed a significant increase in my flexibility and overall energy levels.
I also learned effective techniques, like the “NO dump,” to control sugar spikes after meals. Incorporating the fasting protocols into my routine has been empowering, and following them independently has given me a sense of control over my health.
Although I have yet to check my latest HbA1c, these improvements in my daily readings and overall well-being reflect meaningful progress.
Alongside this, I have lost weight, going from 87.5 kg to 83 kg, and have noticed a significant increase in my flexibility and overall energy levels.
I also learned effective techniques, like the “NO dump,” to control sugar spikes after meals. Incorporating the fasting protocols into my routine has been empowering, and following them independently has given me a sense of control over my health.
Although I have yet to check my latest HbA1c, these improvements in my daily readings and overall well-being reflect meaningful progress.
Fast for Freedom (FFF) Experience
I had the opportunity to participate in the first session of Fast for Freedom, and that is when I experienced the most significant weight loss.
While I could not attend the second and third sessions, I have continued following the same fasting protocol independently.
Fasting has always come naturally to me; even before joining FFD in 2016, I regularly practiced two- to three-day fasts.
The first day can be challenging, but once I get past it, fasting feels enjoyable and energizing, giving me a boost of both physical and mental energy.
While I could not attend the second and third sessions, I have continued following the same fasting protocol independently.
Fasting has always come naturally to me; even before joining FFD in 2016, I regularly practiced two- to three-day fasts.
The first day can be challenging, but once I get past it, fasting feels enjoyable and energizing, giving me a boost of both physical and mental energy.
Athletic Identity
Rediscovering my athletic side has been one of the most exciting aspects of this journey.
I’ve always loved outdoor activities like trekking, rock climbing, and hiking. This year, I am completing an 8-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp, and next year, I plan to attempt Everest Base Camp.
I’ve committed to completing at least one major trek every year.
I’ve always loved outdoor activities like trekking, rock climbing, and hiking. This year, I am completing an 8-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp, and next year, I plan to attempt Everest Base Camp.
I’ve committed to completing at least one major trek every year.
Current Lifestyle & Reflection
I follow the FFD diet and exercise protocols as best as I can, along with journaling to manage mental stress.
Inner Transformation sessions with Paramita Chakraborty have been transformative helping me simplify thought patterns, gain clarity, and improve daily decision-making. I feel healthier, more positive, and energized, even without perfect adherence.
Inner Transformation sessions with Paramita Chakraborty have been transformative helping me simplify thought patterns, gain clarity, and improve daily decision-making. I feel healthier, more positive, and energized, even without perfect adherence.