CASE STUDY & SUCCESS STORIES
Name: Ayaan
Age: 41 years
Location: Hyderabad
Case History: Ayaan, a 41-year-old working professional, had been managing several
health conditions, including diabetes, fatty liver, and high cholesterol, primarily through
medication. However, his recent health assessment revealed concerning results. His
diabetes remained poorly controlled, with an HbA1c level of 10.5%, indicating the need for
improved blood sugar management. Additionally, his elevated WBC count suggested
ongoing inflammation in his body.
His lipid profile showed high cholesterol levels at 239 mg/dL, elevated triglycerides at 252
mg/dL, and a VLDL level of 50 mg/dL, placing him at heightened risk for cardiovascular
disease. Liver function tests confirmed grade 3 fatty liver disease, with elevated GGT and
bilirubin levels. His blood reports also revealed high alkaline phosphatase, indicating
possible joint pain, and low-normal TSH levels, hinting at an underactive thyroid.
In light of these findings, Ayaan had expressed a strong desire to adopt a sustainable
lifestyle plan that could address these health concerns holistically. His goal was to regain
control over his diabetes, manage his fatty liver and cholesterol levels, and ultimately
embrace a healthier lifestyle that would reduce or even eliminate his dependency on
medications.
Approach by the best nutritionist, and dietician in Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Deepika Chalasani:
Upon reviewing Ayaan’s dietary intake, it became clear that his diet lacked dietary
fibre, a crucial component for stabilising blood sugar levels. To address this, we incorporated
high-fibre foods, especially low GI fruits and vegetables, to be prepared as
sautéed dishes, steamed, or added in curries. Additionally, we advised him to avoid
overcooking, recommending a cooking time of no more than 5–7 minutes to retain the
vegetables’ fibre content and essential nutrients.
Considering his specific health needs, we also introduced high-quality protein sources to
support his metabolic health and help manage his conditions. This included homemade
paneer, tofu, egg whites, and whole legumes like green moong, chana (chickpeas), chole,
and labia (black-eyed peas) while keeping his overall fat percentage in the food to 30%.
These protein sources provide essential amino acids that help regulate blood sugar and support liver function, making them especially beneficial for Ayaan’s health
conditions.
To further support Ayaan’s health goals, we added complex carbohydrates to his diet,
focusing on nutrient-dense options like brown rice, quinoa, pearl millets and Shvasa green
roti. These complex carbohydrate sources were chosen for their low glycaemic index,
meaning they digest slowly, helping to prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar.
Brown rice and quinoa are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, promoting better blood sugar
control and providing sustained energy throughout the day. Green roti not only provides
complex carbohydrates but also incorporates amla and drumstick leaves, boosting his fibre
and antioxidant intake, which supports his liver health and helps reduce inflammation. These
additions ensure a steady release of glucose and help manage Ayaan’s diabetes and
cholesterol more effectively.
We also recommended that Ayaan drink water at regular intervals, aiming for a glass every
hour. We emphasized the importance of staying well-hydrated, as proper hydration aids in
regulating blood sugar levels, supporting liver function, and reducing inflammation.
Additionally, we guided him on selecting fruits that would not cause significant blood sugar
spikes, opting for those with a lower glycemic index and high fibre content. Fruits like
papaya, berries, muskmelon, oranges, peach, pineapple, plums, pears, and apples were
included in his diet. These fruits provide essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre, which not
only aid in managing blood sugar but also support overall metabolic health, making them
ideal choices for Ayaan’s specific dietary needs.
These dietary changes were implemented to address his nutritional requirements, and
enhance overall health, aligning with his active lifestyle and goals.
We focused on optimizing his fasting and feasting periods, particularly addressing the issue
of late-night dinners, which had been negatively impacting his health. Due to frequent late-
night calls, he was often eating later than desired, which resulted in a noticeable increase in
various health parameters, such as blood sugar levels, digestive issues, and overall energy
balance.
To address this, we provided tailored meal recommendations that were both healthy and
convenient. Specifically, we suggested on-the-go, nutritious meals that he could easily carry
to the office when working late, ensuring that he would still have access to balanced nutrition without compromising his health. These meals were designed to be satisfying yet light, helping to maintain energy levels and prevent overeating at night.
By adjusting his eating schedule and introducing these on-the-go meal options, we aimed to
strike a healthier balance between his work demands and his overall well-being, supporting
both his professional commitments and personal health goals.
Results
After four months of following the structured plan and adopting a healthier lifestyle, Ayaan
experienced significant improvements in his health. His weight dropped from 80 kg to 76 kg,
leading to a decrease in BMI from 26.42 kg/m² to 25.5 kg/m². This reduction in weight and
BMI placed him closer to a healthier weight range, reducing strain on his cardiovascular
system and helping with blood sugar management. The weight part has to come after the health results as it is only a by-product and we were not consciously working on it.
The positive dietary changes also allowed Ayaan to achieve better control over his diabetes,
as shown by a reduction in his HbA1c levels from 10% to 6.3%. This significant decrease
indicates well-managed blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of diabetic complications.
Ayaan’s lipid profile showed impressive improvements as well. His cholesterol level dropped
from 239 mg/dL to 147 mg/dL, and his triglycerides decreased from 252 mg/dL to 114 mg/dL.
His LDL (bad cholesterol) levels went from 147 mg/dL to 87 mg/dL, while his VLDL reduced
from 50 mg/dL to 31 mg/dL. Additionally, his HDL (good cholesterol) increased from 40 mg/
dL to 46 mg/dL, now within a healthy range. These changes significantly reduce his risk of
cardiovascular disease, as lower LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides reduce plaque formation in
the arteries, while higher HDL helps to protect heart health.
Further, Ayaan’s liver function also showed substantial improvement, Grade 3 fatty liver
became grade 1 in 2 months and end of the 6 months, he did not have any fatty liver at all.
with his alkaline phosphatase level dropping from 118 U/L to 71 U/L and his GGT level
declining from 60 U/L to 38 U/L. These improvements suggest better liver health, reduced
inflammation, and a reversal of fatty liver indicators. These positive changes reflect the
effectiveness of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and hydration in supporting liver function and
reducing inflammatory markers.
Deepika Chalasani is a Clinical Nutritionist, Mind and Body Transformation Coach, and co-
founder of Fit4Life India, an integrated nutrition and wellness organization for Indians that
provides complete solutions, addressing health and wellness challenges of individuals by
working on their overall well-being. Deepika, the best nutritionist in Hyderabad for weight
loss and online dietician can be contacted via email at deepika.chalasani@gmail.com or
Mobile at +91 9381525943
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