How I Changed My Health After Living with Diabetes for 12 Years

Mrs. Saroj Narang's journey of improved blood sugar, weight loss and a more active lifestyle with Freedom From Diabetes.

Name - Mrs. Saroj Narang
Age - 60 Years Young
Profession - Homemaker
Place - Delhi, India

Hello All,

For nearly 12–13 years, I lived with diabetes and took medication as part of my daily routine. When I joined FFD, I was taking 500 mg of medication twice a day. I still remember how unexpectedly it all began. A blood sugar test showed a reading of around 499 mg/dL, something I found hard to believe at the time.

Today, at 60, I feel more active and energetic. I practise yoga, attend strength-training sessions and follow habits that once seemed difficult to maintain.

My journey with Freedom From Diabetes has shown me that taking care of my health is a gradual process. It takes patience, consistency and the willingness to make better choices every day.

Key Takeaways

Living with Type 2 Diabetes for 12–13 Years
Blood Sugar at Diagnosis: Approximately 499 mg/dL
HbA1c: Approximately 7% to 5.6%*
Lost Approximately 14–15 kg
Free from Diabetes Medication within 2–2.5 Months

My Diabetes Story

My diabetes journey began around 12–13 years ago. I remember developing a large boil on my back.

When I visited a doctor, he suspected I might have diabetes and checked my blood sugar using a glucometer.

The reading was around 499 mg/dL. I found it difficult to believe, so the doctor checked again.

The result was the same. That was how I discovered I had diabetes.

There was no family history of diabetes. I started consulting doctors and taking medication.

Over time, my dosage changed, and eventually I was taking Metformin 500 mg twice a day. I also had hypothyroidism, so managing my health became an important part of my routine.

How I Found Freedom From Diabetes

I came to know about FFD through my daughter. She came across the programme on social media, told me about it and encouraged me to join.

Her support helped me take that first step towards a more structured approach to my health.

Mrs. Saroj Narang

My Reversal Journey

When I joined FFD, my HbA1c was approximately 7%, and I was taking Metformin 500 mg twice daily.

As I began following the programme's guidance, I gradually made changes to my food habits and daily routine.

Within approximately 2–2.5 months, I was able to stop my diabetes medication, as I shared during the interview.

My HbA1c also improved. I recall my current reading being around 5.6%.

My weight changed significantly too. I weighed around 64–65 kg when I started, and today I maintain a weight of approximately 50–51 kg.

That is a reported reduction of around 14–15 kg.

I have also seen encouraging changes in my thyroid levels. My recent test on 16 October reportedly showed a reading of 3.4.

But one of the changes I appreciate most is how I feel now. Earlier, I would often feel tired.

Today, I feel much more active. Experiencing that difference in my everyday life has been especially encouraging.

Athletic Identity

Staying active has become an important part of my routine. My exercise journey includes:

Yoga: I practise yoga regularly as part of my fitness routine.
Strength Training: I attend guided strength-training sessions two to three days a week.
Surya Namaskar: I have progressed to completing 24 Surya Namaskars.

I enjoy having activities that keep me moving and give me something to work towards. Feeling more active than before is itself a rewarding change.

Inner Transformation

My journey has also included attending Inner Transformation group sessions at FFD.

I practise meditation, and it helps me feel calm and peaceful. I experience a sense of quietness within myself, which I have come to value.

These sessions have helped me appreciate that taking care of my health also means making time for my mind and inner well-being.

Current Lifestyle & Reflection

One of the biggest changes I have made is giving up milk tea.

Earlier, I used to drink around 10–12 cups every day. It was a habit I found extremely difficult to change.

In the beginning, I wondered how I would manage without it. But gradually, I learned to exercise self-control.

Today, I can comfortably say that I have moved past that habit.

Recently, when we travelled to Bhutan, we shared our health experiences with people there.

They were curious about how we had managed to make these changes. I told them that it takes time. The beginning can be difficult, but we need to develop the ability to control ourselves.

My experience with FFD has been very good. It is difficult to put everything into words, but I know how much my approach to health has changed.

I continue to practise yoga, attend strength-training sessions and meditate. I am more mindful of my everyday choices and feel more active than before.

I am grateful to my daughter for introducing me to FFD. Taking that first step has made a meaningful difference to my life.