"I felt that improving my fitness levels would help control the diabetes."
An Indian finance executive living in Hong Kong says he has been able to manage his Type 2 diabetes without medication.
Ravi Chandra, CFO of Amoli Enterprises Ltd was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2015.
His doctor recommended medication but Ravi decided to go running.
According to Ravi, his blood sugar levels normalised just three months after he began running. He has never taken medication for his diabetes.
It is reported that Ravi has participated in 29 races – 12 marathons in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and India, five half-marathons, seven 10km races and five ultra-marathons, including the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker in Hong Kong.
He told South China Morning Post:
“I felt that once I started [medication], the dosage would keep increasing.
“I felt that improving my fitness levels would help control the diabetes.
“In addition, my work was very stressful and I thought regular exercise would help calm me down.”
He first started running in 2011 after being inspired by his friend Desikan Bhoovarahan, who had run 100 marathons.
However, Ravi was forced to stop due to an injury.
He began running again after his diabetes diagnosis but decided to take a new approach to minimise the risk of injury.
Ravi runs using the Maximal Aerobic Function (MAF) technique.
It involves training at a low-intensity aerobic heart rate tailored to an individual based on age and other factors.
He said: “Using this method has helped me run slower than I normally would, which has kept me injury-free.”
Detailing the progress of his running, Ravi said:
“I began by walking for a kilometre, and then I would run-walk-run for 10km.
“Soon, my stamina improved, and I was able to run 10km without stopping three to four times a week.”
He now runs approximately nine kilometres six days a week before work.
On Saturdays, he goes for a long run after work on his favourite route from his home in Tung Chung to Disneyland and Hong Kong International Airport.
Ravi added:
“It’s a 21km stretch and is beautiful. I love running by the sea.”
Ravi says he has run 20,000km since he started running to manage his diabetes, calling it addictive and contagious.
His two adult children also run, having been inspired by their father.
When it comes to his diet, Ravi says he typically eats vegetarian food and occasionally eats chicken or fish.
His breakfast is made up of carbohydrates in the form of curd rice, idli or dosa.
For lunch and dinner, he has rice with cooked vegetables. He also eats fruits as snacks and takes oranges or apples to energise during runs.
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