How I Dropped My HbA1c, Cleared GTT, and Reclaimed My Life

“How I Lost 10 kgs, Improved My HbA1c and Cleared GTT at 64 with FFD”

Name - Mr. Venkatakrishnan Ramanujam
Age - 64 Years Young
Profession - Retired Professional
Place - Chennai Tamil Nadu.

Being told that my blood sugar levels were entering the prediabetic range felt like a wake-up call. As a retired professional with a family history of diabetes, I was concerned about where my health was heading. Bound by the fear of relying on lifelong drugs and dealing with energy-draining fatigue, I knew I needed a change. This is the inspiring story of how a holistic program transformed not just my physical health by helping me lose 10 kg and avoid the need for lifelong diabetes medication, but also brought me profound inner peace, mental clarity, and a renewed outlook on life.

Key Takeaways

HbA1c reduced from 6.6 to 5.9 in 10 months
Lost 10 kg from 66 kg to 56 kg (currently maintaining 60 kg)
Cleared Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) on 31 May 2026
Performs up to 24 Surya Namaskars in one go
Avoided the need for lifelong diabetes medication

My Diabetes Story

My journey began when routine blood tests and master health check-ups revealed that my HbA1c and average sugar readings were steadily increasing, reaching 6.6.

Though I was in the border or prediabetic stage, my family history was concerning. My father had diabetes, and my younger brother was also affected.

Before I understood what was happening, I often experienced frequent hunger, tiredness, and sleepiness.

These symptoms affected my daily routine and made me realize that something needed attention.

More than anything, I was worried about heading down the same path as many others, depending on medications for the rest of my life.

How I Found FFD

I first came across Freedom from Diabetes (FFD) through advertisements, but what truly caught my attention was seeing people around me benefit from the program.

My younger brother had joined FFD a year earlier, and a neighbor was also undergoing the program.

Watching real people reverse diabetes, obesity, and other health issues gave me confidence.

Initially, I hesitated because of the cost.

However, as my sugar levels continued to rise and the possibility of starting lifelong metformin became more real, I decided to take the leap.

I enrolled in the annual program and chose to trust the process completely.

Mr. Venkatakrishnan Ramanujam

My Reversal Journey

Joining FFD became a major turning point in my life.

Under medical supervision, I learned the importance of portion control through the 25% plate rule, made meaningful dietary changes, and received constant guidance from the team.

My wife played a tremendous role throughout the journey, helping prepare smoothies and healthy meals while supporting every lifestyle change I made.

One of the biggest mindset shifts was letting go of old misconceptions about protein and embracing a balanced approach to nutrition.

Slowly but steadily, my health transformed.

My weight reduced from 66 kg to 56 kg before stabilizing at a healthy 60 kg.

My BMI improved from 25.39 to 22.27, and my HbA1c dropped from 6.6 to 5.9.

Most importantly, I successfully avoided the need to start lifelong metformin and cleared the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) on 31 May 2026.

This achievement gave me immense confidence and reinforced my belief that lifestyle changes can create remarkable health outcomes.

Athletic Identity

I may not be someone who performs intense workouts every day, but through this journey, I discovered my athletic identity as a Yogi.

I regularly practice yoga and Surya Namaskars, achieving a personal best of 24 rounds in one go, while maintaining a minimum of 12 rounds regularly.

Along with this, I practice yoga asanas, breathing exercises, walking, stair climbing, and muscle-strengthening exercises using dumbbells and resistance bands.

These activities have helped me stay active, disciplined, and grounded.

Inner Transformation

While the physical transformation was significant, the inner transformation was equally powerful.

I have always been spiritually inclined. Daily poojas, listening to spiritual discourses, and learning Sama Veda and Vedanta have long been part of my life.

However, the psychology and inner transformation sessions at FFD added a new dimension to my journey.

They helped me clear what I call "mental garbage," let go of past stress, and practice forgiveness and acceptance.

With my wife participating alongside me and encouraging open communication, I learned to live more fully in the present moment.

This experience taught me that true healing happens when the mind and body work together in harmony.

Current Lifestyle & Reflection

Today, I enjoy a vibrant retired life without diabetes medications.

My wife, family, and my son living abroad have been a constant source of encouragement and motivation throughout this journey.

My lifestyle now revolves around balanced eating, regular yoga, mindful living, and maintaining a calm, stress-free mindset.

To me, FFD is much more than an organization. It feels like a family that treats every participant with sincerity, respect, dignity, and genuine care.

My health today is robust, and my goal is simple: to continue living a peaceful, disciplined, and spiritually grounded life.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to the entire FFD team, including my Dietician, Exercise Expert, Consulting Doctor, App Doctor, and the administrative and IT teams for their unwavering support.

I also extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Pramod Tripathi and Dr. Malhar for designing and steering this program in such a structured and impactful manner.