Ravi Chandra, a 51-year-old diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, has chosen a unique path to manage his condition—running. Within just three months of incorporating running into his daily routine, Chandra has seen remarkable results, with his blood glucose levels normalizing.
Unlike many who opt for medication, Chandra was wary of the potential need for increasing dosages and decided to focus on fitness instead. His demanding job, which often leaves him stressed, served as an additional motivation to prioritize regular exercise.
Type 2 diabetes arises from the body's inability to utilize glucose efficiently, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and various health complications affecting the heart, brain, and immune system. This condition occurs due to either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or cells becoming resistant to insulin. Increasing physical activity, such as running, jogging, cycling, swimming, or walking, is known to mitigate these risks.
Chandra began his journey by walking a kilometer and gradually introduced run-walk-run sessions into his routine. He now comfortably runs 10 kilometers without breaks, completing this regimen three to four times a week. Embracing the MAF (maximum aerobic function) running method, popularized by Dr. Philip Maffetone, Chandra focuses on low-intensity aerobic training to enhance endurance, speed, and fat burning while minimizing the risk of overtraining and injury.
In terms of diet, Chandra maintains a healthy balance. He enjoys vegetarian meals and includes chicken or fish once a week. For breakfast, he opts for carbohydrates like dosas, idlies, or curd rice, while lunch and dinner consist of rice with dal and cooked vegetables. His snacks usually consist of fruits, and during races and long runs, he fuels himself with oranges and apples for energy.
Chandra's philosophy is simple yet profound: the body can adapt to any training regimen. He believes that while pain may be temporary, the pride of completing a race lasts forever. His story serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the power of lifestyle changes in managing and overcoming health challenges like diabetes.
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