I Was at 13+ HbA1c and Dependent on Medicines. Today, I’m Medicine-Free and Cycling Every Weekend

From 13+ HbA1c to 6.1: Mohan Dhanawade’s journey from medicines to a fitter, medicine-free life

Name - Mr. Mohan Dhanawade
Age - 50 Years Young
Profession - System Architect – Silicon Security, Silicon Industry
Place - Hyderabad, Telangana

Hello

I am Mohan Dhanawade, a 50-year-old Security System Architect from Hyderabad working in silicon industry. I had been living with diabetes for nearly a decade, and over the years, my medicines kept increasing. Then one health check-up left me deeply worried—my HbA1c had crossed 13. I was taking medicines, yet my sugar remained high. With my family history of diabetes and my mother having lost her vision because of it, the situation was frightening. FFD gave me a structured path to take control of my health, change my habits and believe that a different future was possible.

Key Takeaways

HbA1c: 13+ without medicines to 6.1
Medicine-free since February
Weight: 65 kg to 53 kg
Current weight: 54.5 kg
Target weight: 56 kg
Lost 13 kg
Lost Waist by 12 cm
Uric acid normalised
IGT cleared
Daily 30–40 minute home workouts
Weekend cycling: 10 km in around 55 minutes

My Diabetes Story

I was unexpectedly diagnosed with diabetes around 10 years ago. My sugar level was around 340, and I started taking medicines soon after my diagnosis.

Initially, I was taking simple tablets, but over time the medicines increased. I eventually found myself taking around 500 mg twice a day.

For a long time, I did not pay enough attention to my health.

The only noticeable symptom was laziness. I could manage my day, but I did not feel energetic.

My family history was also a major concern for me.

My mother had diabetes, and during the last four years of her life, she lost her vision completely because of diabetes. That memory stayed with me.

Then, during a health check-up, I received a shock.

My HbA1c without medicines was above 13+. Even with medicines, it was around 9.6.

I became extremely worried. The doctor also explained that uncontrolled diabetes could affect other parts of the body, including the heart.

I was clearly depressed and tense after seeing my reports. I knew I had to do something different.

How I Found FFD

I came to know about Freedom From Diabetes through the wife of a friend, who is an ophthalmologist. She referred me and her husband to FFD.

I had already experienced years of increasing medication, so I decided to give the programme a serious try.

This was actually my second association with FFD. During my earlier programme, I was able to come off medicines very quickly.

This time, because my sugar levels were extremely high, it took around a month before my doctors advised me to stop the tablets.

Since February, I have not taken any diabetes tablet.

Mr.Mohan Dhanawade

My Reversal Journey

When I joined this time, my HbA1c was above 13+ without medication and 9.6 even with medication. Today, it is 6.1, and my next target is 5.7.

The journey required me to be extremely disciplined.

My wife often tells me that once I decide to do something, I become very strict about it.

I followed the food and lifestyle recommendations seriously and made the required changes to my daily habits.

My food choices changed significantly. Earlier, my eating habits were very different.

Today, I understand my food much better and have learnt to make conscious choices. I still enjoy foods I like, but I understand moderation and the importance of staying on track.

There have been occasional indulgences, but they no longer define my lifestyle.

My weight has also changed dramatically. I was around 65 kg and reached 53 kg.

My current weight is about 54.5 kg, and my target is 56 kg. I am now in the muscle-mass gain phase.

I also saw improvements in my health parameters. My uric acid has normalised with the treatment prescribed by my doctor, and my overall health has improved.

One of the most satisfying changes has been in my stomach and digestion. My waist measurement reduced from around 96 cm to 84 cm, and I can feel the difference in my body.

I am also happy that I am now able to remain medicine-free.

Athletic Identity

I have chosen cycling as my athletic identity.

I am unable to run, so cycling became my preferred activity. I started cycling almost after 3 decades and enjoying it.

Today, I exercise at home for around 30–40 minutes every day. Every weekend, I cycle for around 55 minutes and cover approximately 10 km.

I no longer feel that same laziness I experienced earlier. Being physically active has become part of my lifestyle.

My focus during this phase has been on managing my blood sugar, following my food routine, exercising regularly and moving into the muscle-mass gain phase.

Inner Transformation

When I saw my HbA1c crossing 13, I was deeply disturbed. I was worried about what the future might hold, especially after seeing what diabetes had done to my mother.

I was advised to speak with a psychologist, and I had a session with Paramita.

Talking to her helped me feel better and understand how meditation and breathing practices could support me.

I have learnt breathing techniques and body-posturing practices.

I had also practised journaling during my earlier FFD batch, and it had helped me at that time.

This time, I did not feel the same need for journaling, so I have continued with meditation whenever I feel I need it.

For me, these practices are not about following a fixed routine every single day. I use them when I need to calm myself, regain balance and maintain my mental wellbeing.

Current Lifestyle & Reflection

My experience with FFD has been very good. What I have realised is that when you genuinely follow the process and put in the effort, you can see results.

My wife has been a tremendous support throughout this journey.

She is also from the IT industry, and she supported me even with cooking and adapting our family routine.

The changes have gone beyond me. My son noticed the changes in my body and asked about my waist and fitness.

He eventually started going to the gym too. Seeing his health improve made me proud.

So, in a way, my transformation became an inspiration for my family as well.

Today, I feel fitter, more active and more confident about managing my health.

I know I still have goals ahead—my next HbA1c target is 5.7, and I want to build healthy muscle while maintaining my progress.

For me, FFD has shown that taking control of your health is not just about reducing medicines or improving a report.

It is about changing your habits, becoming disciplined and creating a healthier future for yourself and your family.