Category: Personal Journey / Health Technology
Date: December 31, 2025
Disclosure: I have no financial interest, affiliation, or commercial relationship with Tracky, Eli Lilly (manufacturer of Mounjaro), Apple, or any other companies mentioned in this article. All products and medications discussed were purchased by me for personal use. I am sharing this story purely out of excitement for the results I have experienced and to share knowledge with the medical community and patients.D
Introduction: The Long Road
If you had told me in 1992 that I would one day live without my daily insulin injections, I would have told you it was medically impossible.
I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 29. I am now 62. For over three decades—more than half my life—my daily routine has been dictated by blood sugar levels, needles, and the constant fear of hypoglycemia.
But the second half of 2025 brought a convergence of technology and pharmacology that didn't just improve my condition—it completely rewrote my medical history. Here is the story of how three specific innovations gave me my life back.
The Struggle: From Porcine to Human Insulin
My journey began in an era that young doctors today might find archaic. In 1992, the only formulation available was Porcine (pig) insulin. My body rejected it; I developed severe allergies. We switched to Bovine (cow) insulin, but my body fought that too, developing severe insulin resistance.
It wasn't until 2000 that Human insulin became available, offering me some stability. I did everything "right." I practiced yoga, modified my lifestyle, and exercised religiously. Yet, maintaining control was a battle.
From 2010 onwards, I checked my blood glucose (GRBS) twice a day to titrate my insulin. Despite this, my HbA1c hovered stubbornly between 7.5 and 8.5. I was taking massive doses—escalating to 40-50 units in the morning and evening, plus oral medications. I lived with the constant seesaw of post-prandial (after eating) spikes and dangerous nocturnal hypoglycemia.
I was managing the disease, but I wasn't winning. Until August 2025.
1. The Eye-Opener: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
In August 2025, I decided to purchase a CGM from Tracky. That small sensor made a massive difference.
For years, we doctors have relied on Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Post-Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) as the "gold standards." My experience with CGM taught me that relying on these spot checks is, frankly, foolish. They miss the movie because they are only looking at two snapshots.
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| Reading on 31-12.2025 at 1.20pm HbA1C-4.59% |
The real-time data from the CGM gave me actionable insights. I saw exactly which foods caused rapid spikes. I understood the precise timing of my insulin requirements. By following the data, I reduced my insulin and brought my HbA1c below 6.5 for the first time in
2. The Miracle: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
While the CGM gave me control, a new molecule gave me freedom.
Late this year, I began researching Tirzepatide (Mounjaro). While it has become famous globally for weight loss, its primary indication is Type 2 Diabetes. I consulted with Dr. Vimal, an expert in endocrinology, and cross-checked with trusted colleagues. The reviews were overwhelmingly positive.
I took my first weekly injection in the first week of December. The results were immediate and startling.
Before I could even take my second dose, I stopped my insulin.
Read that again. The insulin I had relied on for over 30 years was no longer necessary. My CGM currently projects my HbA1c to be below 5, a non-diabetic range. My weight has optimized to 70 kg (down from 75kg earlier this year). It feels like a biological reset.
3. The Companion: iPhone 17 Pro Max & AI
To navigate this new chapter of health, I needed technology that could keep up. I have been an Apple user since the iPhone 6 era, moving from the 13 Pro to the newly released iPhone 17 Pro Max.
With the integration of AI, this phone has become my dedicated health companion. It is no longer just about communication; it is about bio-feedback. The synergy between the Health app, Sleep app, ECG, and the Snore detection features gives me a holistic view of my recovery. It monitors the quality of the sleep I am finally getting now that I don't fear nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Conclusion: A New Lease on Life
As I step into 2026, I am not just a doctor treating patients; I am a testament to the speed of medical advancement.
It took a combination of Data (CGM), Pharmacology (Tirzepatide), and AI (iPhone 17) to undo 33 years of chronic illness. To my patients and colleagues: never stop looking for better solutions. The tools to reclaim our health are finally here.
Dr. Venugopalan P.P
Emergency Medicine | ANGELS Initiative
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