I Brought My HbA1c from 9.8 to 6.2, Lost 8 Kg and Took Control of My Health with FFD

I Brought My HbA1c from 9.8 to 6.2, Lost 8 Kg and Took Control of My Health with FFD

Praveen Kumar Dayama, a 56-year-old Chartered Accountant from Hyderabad, shares his health transformation journey with Freedom From Diabetes.

  • Name - Mr. Praveen Kumar Dayama
  • Age -56 Years Young
  • Profession - Chartered Accountant
  • Place - Hyderabad, Telangana.
I am Praveen Kumar Dayama, a Chartered Accountant from Hyderabad. My profession involves long hours of sitting and a stressful work routine. When my HbA1c increased from around 6.2 in 2023 to 9.8, I realised that simply avoiding sweets and fasting was not enough. I needed the right knowledge, structure and guidance.
 
Key Takeaways
 
• HbA1c: 9.8 to 6.2
• Weight: 70 kg to approximately 62 kg
• Diabetes medication stopped within 25 days under medical guidance
• GTT cleared
• BP: around 210/110 earlier to below 130/70 with medication
• Cycling, walking and strength training became part of my lifestyle

My Diabetes Story

 
My diabetes was detected last August while I was travelling. I had developed an abscess and got my HbA1c tested.

The result was 9.8. I had no diabetes in my parents or grandparents, although both my uncles had diabetes.
 
Earlier, I believed that avoiding sweets and fasting would be enough.

I come from a North Indian/Marwadi background where foods such as dal baati and sweets are traditionally common.

I also noticed that my fasting sugar was particularly high in the mornings, sometimes reaching around 170.

I later understood that this was related to the dawn phenomenon. Eventually, I also experienced frequent urination.

How I Found FFD

 
I had worked in Bahrain for 10 years. A friend, Biju Menon, who had joined Freedom From Diabetes, introduced me to FFD.

When I came to India in August, I attended Dr Pramod’s session. I was convinced by the approach and joined FFD the same day.


Mr. Praveen Kumar Dayama

My Reversal Journey

 
I started with an HbA1c of 9.8. I had not taken diabetes medication before joining FFD.

During the programme, Glycomet SR-500 was prescribed temporarily because my blood sugar parameters needed support.

Under Dr Vaishali’s guidance, I gradually reduced the medication and stopped it completely within about 25 days.
 
• HbA1c: 9.8 to 6.2 at its lowest
• Weight: 70 kg to approximately 62 kg
• Fasting sugar started coming below 90
• GTT cleared
 
I later experienced dengue and other health issues, which affected my HbA1c, and it went up to around 6.7.

I also lost additional weight during dengue and a period of illness.

Rather than eating excessively to gain weight and affecting my sugars, I am now working on gradually stabilising my weight within the prescribed protocol.

Inner Transformation

 
One of my biggest learnings has been portion control.
 
Earlier, if more food was available, I would simply eat more. FFD taught me that the quantity of food matters too.
 
The diet sessions and group sessions helped me understand my eating habits and follow the protocol more consciously.
 
I also participated in meditation and other optional sessions, which helped me stay focused on the process.

Athletic Identity

 
Exercise has become an important part of my routine. I cycle at around 20–25 km/h and combine it with walking, cardio and strength training.
 
I have reached around 80–90 kg on the leg press and 8 kg with dumbbell curls.

I used to cycle for 45 minutes to an hour, but because I was losing weight, I was advised not to overdo cardio. I now maintain a balanced exercise routine.

Current Lifestyle

 
My BP, which was once around 210/110, is now below 130/70 with medication.
 
I continue to work towards bringing my HbA1c below 5.7 while maintaining my fitness and gradually stabilising my weight.
 
The biggest change for me has been understanding that managing diabetes is not just about avoiding sweets.
 
The right food, portions, exercise and professional guidance can make a significant difference.
 

Key Quote

 

“FFD really helps because the right guidance makes a difference. I brought my HbA1c from 9.8 to 6.2, and the protocol, diet and exercise guidance helped me achieve that.”