How I Improved My Diabetes, Built Strength at 65, and Transformed My Lifestyle With FFD

I Brought My HbA1c Down from 7.1 to 6.2 in 8 Months with FFD!

Name - Mrs. Vandana Shrikant Kulkarni
Age - 65 Years Young
Profession - Retired State Bank of India Employee
Place - Pune, Maharashtra.

I am Mrs. Vandana Shrikant Kulkarni from Pune. I worked with the State Bank of India and am now retired.

When I first discovered that my sugar levels were moving beyond the borderline range, I knew I had to take action.

I did not have major symptoms, but I understood that diabetes is a condition where prevention and timely lifestyle changes matter the most.

Today, at 65, I feel stronger, more energetic, and healthier than before. My HbA1c has improved, my fitness has increased, and I have developed a completely new relationship with food, exercise, and my own wellbeing.

This is my journey.

Key Takeaways

Improved HbA1c from 7.1 to 6.2 in 8 months
Maintained a healthy BMI of 23
Improved muscle strength and energy levels
Reduced cholesterol levels
Improved overall health markers including kidney and liver function
Practices yoga, cycling, trekking, gym workouts, and 180 Surya Namaskars
Developed better stress management through meditation and mindfulness

My Diabetes Story

My diabetes journey started when my sugar levels moved beyond the borderline range.

Since my father had diabetes, I was aware that I had a family history and needed to be careful.

However, I did not experience any major symptoms or complications. There was no pain, weakness, or discomfort that made me feel unhealthy.

But I knew that waiting for problems to appear was not the right approach. I wanted to take control of my health before diabetes progressed further.

How was FFD introduced and what made me choose it?

I came across Freedom From Diabetes through Facebook and YouTube.

After watching videos and learning about the approach, I felt that this was something worth trying.

I was particularly interested in understanding how lifestyle changes could help improve diabetes naturally and enrolled in the Discover Reversal Session.

My goal was not just to control my sugar numbers but to understand the right way of eating, exercising, and maintaining overall health.

That motivated me to begin my FFD journey.

Mrs. Vandana Shrikant Kulkarni

Reversal Story

When I joined FFD, my HbA1c was 7.1.

Through consistent guidance from the FFD team, I started making changes in my food habits, physical activity, and daily routine.

Over time, my HbA1c improved to 6.2. The changes were not limited to my sugar levels.

I noticed improvements in my energy levels, muscle strength, digestion, and overall fitness.

Earlier, after eating, I would often feel heavy and uncomfortable. Today, I feel lighter and more aware of what my body needs.

My cholesterol levels have also improved, and my doctors have appreciated my overall reports, including kidney and liver function.

I have always maintained my weight, with my BMI around 23, but FFD helped me focus beyond just weight.

It helped me understand the importance of nutrition, strength, and long-term health.

Inner Transformation Journey

One of the most valuable parts of my FFD journey has been learning to take care of my mental wellbeing.

Through the Inner Transformation sessions, I started practicing breathing techniques, meditation, journaling, and creating a vision board.

Writing down my goals and visualising them helped me become more focused and positive.

I also practiced box breathing, which helped me manage stress better. I noticed that my reactions changed.

Instead of immediately responding emotionally, I became calmer and more mindful. My blood pressure also improved, and my doctors appreciated the positive changes.

My Athletic Identity

Fitness has always been an important part of my life. Even at 65, I believe staying active is essential.

My athletic identity includes a combination of yoga, cycling, trekking, and gym workouts.

I go to the gym on alternate days and continue practicing yoga regularly. One of my biggest achievements has been completing 180 Surya Namaskars in one session.

I also enjoy walking and trekking. I regularly walk around 10 km at Pashan Tekdi. For me, exercise is not just about fitness it is a celebration of what my body can do.

Current Lifestyle & Reflection

Initially, following the lifestyle changes required adjustment. There were times when travel and other commitments made it challenging to stay completely consistent.

But over the last six months, I have become much more disciplined with my routine. FFD has completely changed the way I look at food.

Today, I understand the nutritional value of what I eat and how every choice affects my health.

My journey has taught me that age is never a limitation when it comes to improving your health.

With the right knowledge, consistency, and mindset, transformation is always possible.