I Reached an HbA1c of 6.7, Became Medicine-Free and Trekked to Everest Base Camp with FFD
Yoginder Pal, a 60-year-old retired professional from Faridabad, shares his diabetes journey and active lifestyle transformation with Freedom From Diabetes.
- Name - Mr. Yoginder Pal
- Age - 60 Years Young
- Profession - Retired
- Place - Faridabad, Haryana
• Reduced HbA1c from around 8 to 6.7
• Became medicine-free for a period during his FFD journey
• Maintained an active lifestyle with gym, swimming and table tennis
• Participated in FFD’s Everest Base Camp trek
• Maintained his weight around 67–68 kg without pursuing further weight loss
• Built greater consistency around exercise and healthy habits
I was diagnosed with diabetes around seven to eight years ago when I was undergoing blood tests before a small surgical procedure. My sugar levels were found to be high. I had no symptoms then, and even today I do not experience any major diabetes-related symptoms.
There is also no family history of diabetes in my case. My diagnosis came completely through blood work.
My Diabetes Story
When I joined Freedom From Diabetes, my HbA1c was around 8. I was taking 1000 mg of metformin.
I was impressed by Dr. Pramod Tripathi after watching his videos on YouTube.
His explanations and the logic behind the FFD approach to diabetes reversal convinced me to explore the programme.
What attracted me most was the clarity of his approach.
His explanations and the logic behind the FFD approach to diabetes reversal convinced me to explore the programme.
What attracted me most was the clarity of his approach.
Mrs. Pradibha Kannaiyan
My Reversal Journey
During my FFD journey, I was able to become medicine-free for a period.
However, due to certain irregularities in following the programme and because I developed diabetic neuropathy, I eventually had to restart medication.
However, due to certain irregularities in following the programme and because I developed diabetic neuropathy, I eventually had to restart medication.
My medication was brought down from 1000 mg of metformin to 500 mg. My doctor restarted the medicine when my HbA1c began rising again.
My HbA1c has fluctuated during my journey. After reaching 6.7 at one point, my more recent readings have gone up to around 8.2–8.4.
I understand that my consistency plays an important role, and I am continuing to work on it.
I understand that my consistency plays an important role, and I am continuing to work on it.
My weight has remained relatively stable. I was around 69 kg when I joined the programme and currently remain around 67.2–67.8 kg.
Since I am already quite slim, I did not participate in Fast for Freedom as I did not want additional weight loss.
Since I am already quite slim, I did not participate in Fast for Freedom as I did not want additional weight loss.
My cholesterol-related parameters, including triglycerides and VLDL/LDL, are still on the higher side.
I feel my eating habits are one of the reasons, as I tend to eat quite a lot.
I feel my eating habits are one of the reasons, as I tend to eat quite a lot.
Athletic Identity
I have always been an active person. I regularly go to the gym, swim and play table tennis.
I do not necessarily do all three every day, but I usually combine two activities—for example, gym with table tennis or gym with swimming.
I do not necessarily do all three every day, but I usually combine two activities—for example, gym with table tennis or gym with swimming.
I have a gym instructor who takes care of my exercise routine.
Recently, I also took part in an Everest Base Camp trek organised by FFD.
It was my first trekking experience. Although trekking is not something I have done regularly, the experience was special for me.
It was my first trekking experience. Although trekking is not something I have done regularly, the experience was special for me.
For me, being active is not limited to one sport. I enjoy different forms of physical activity and have been involved in athletics and sports for many years.
I have tried to participate in the group sessions whenever possible.
My journey has primarily been about staying active, understanding the FFD approach and working towards better control of my diabetes.
Current Lifestyle
Today, I continue to maintain an active lifestyle through gymming, swimming and table tennis.
My weight has remained stable, and I am conscious that because I am already slim, I need to avoid unnecessary weight loss.
My weight has remained stable, and I am conscious that because I am already slim, I need to avoid unnecessary weight loss.
My experience with FFD has been very good. I consider it a unique programme because of its focus on multiple aspects of diabetes management and lifestyle.
I believe that if a person follows the FFD techniques sincerely and consistently, they can make meaningful progress in managing their diabetes.
