Case Study: Reversing Metabolic Imbalance at 74, A 3-Month Transformation Through Low-Carb High-Fat Nutrition

Aging often comes with the belief that fatigue, weight gain, and chronic inflammation are “normal.” But what if those symptoms are not just signs of age, but indicators of a metabolic imbalance that can be corrected with the right nutrition strategy?

This case study follows Mrs. VDJ, a 74-year-old woman who, despite living with diabetes and hypertension, managed to reverse multiple health markers within just three months by shifting from a high-carbohydrate vegetarian diet to a scientifically structured Low-Carb High-Fat (LCHF) lifestyle.

Patient Profile

• Name: Mrs. VDJ

• Age: 74 years

• Medical Background:

• Type 2 Diabetes & Hypertension (diagnosed 2015)

• Cancer survivor since 2001

• Initial Challenges:

• 10 kg overweight

• Persistent skin infection

• Joint pain and muscle fatigue

• Low energy levels despite medication

• High-carb, low-fat vegetarian diet

  
  

Background and Dietary Pattern

Like many Indian vegetarians, Mrs. VDJ followed what most consider a “healthy” diet, rich in cereals, pulses, rice, chapatis, fruits, and minimal fat. However, this kind of diet can often lead to carbohydrate overdependence, which spikes insulin levels and prevents efficient fat metabolism.

What Happens in a High-Carb, Low-Fat Diet?

When the majority of daily calories come from carbohydrates, the body continuously produces insulin to manage glucose levels. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, where cells become less responsive to insulin’s signals. This not only promotes fat storage but also causes chronic inflammation, fatigue, and metabolic slowdown, the very issues Mrs. VDJ was facing.

The Intervention: Low-Carb High-Fat (LCHF) Approach

The Low-Carb High-Fat (LCHF) movement centers on the principle that when we significantly reduce carbohydrates and increase healthy fats, the body becomes more efficient at using fat for fuel, improving energy, metabolic flexibility, and long-term health. In India, the platform dLife, founded by Anup Singh in 2014, pioneered this approach in the local context. Singh, having reversed his own diabetes using LCHF, launched dLife to build India’s largest low-carb community and educational hub, tailored for Indian dietary patterns.

In July 2025, Mrs. VDJ began a guided Low-Carb High-Fat nutrition program with GetOverCarbs. The LCHF model focuses on reducing carbohydrate intake (typically < 20–25% of daily calories) and increasing healthy fats, such as ghee, butter, coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds, along with adequate protein.

Why LCHF Works

When carbohydrate intake is reduced, the body shifts its primary fuel source from glucose to fat, a process known as metabolic flexibility or fat adaptation.This metabolic shift improves:

• Insulin sensitivity

• Energy stability (no sugar crashes)

• Fat utilization for sustained fuel

• Inflammation control

  
  

This approach doesn’t “cut calories” but re-trains metabolism to function optimally.

Visible and Measurable Improvements

Within three months, Mrs. VDJ experienced significant changes, both physically and in her lab reports.

1. Physical and Lifestyle Improvements

• Weight reduced by 4 kg

• Skin infection reversed by ~80%

• Glow restored, indicating improved nutrient absorption and reduced inflammation

• Increased daily energy levels

• Reduction in joint pain and muscle fatigue

• Noticeable improvement in mood and positivity

  
  

These improvements reflect how stabilizing insulin and glucose directly enhances cellular repair, immune strength, and metabolic efficiency.

2. Blood Marker Transformations

Marker	Before	After	Interpretation
Vitamin B12	2000	732.7	Excess B12 levels normalized, indicating better absorption balance
HbA1C	6.4	5.9	Improved glycemic control; prediabetic → normal range
Fasting Insulin	12.2	8.3	Enhanced insulin sensitivity
SGOT (Liver Enzyme)	43.6	30	Improved liver function
SGPT (Liver Enzyme)	33.1	24	Reduced liver inflammation
BUN (Kidney Marker)	8	14	Improved protein metabolism
Uric Acid	6.1	5.1	Reduced oxidative stress
Total Cholesterol	198	177	Balanced lipid profile
Triglycerides (TGL)	208	134	Strong indicator of improved fat metabolism
HDL (Good Cholesterol)	43	49	Increased protective lipoprotein levels
LDL (Bad Cholesterol)	113.4	101	Decreased unhealthy lipid concentration
TGL/HDL Ratio	4.8	2.7	Excellent cardiovascular risk reduction
Vitamin D	4.71	76.6	Reversal from severe deficiency to optimal range

Scientific Perspective

Each marker here reflects metabolic recovery:

• Lower HbA1C and fasting insulin confirm improved glucose metabolism.

• Triglyceride drop and HDL rise indicate a shift toward fat utilization rather than fat storage.

• Liver enzymes normalization shows reduced internal inflammation.

• Vitamin D correction supports bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.

  
  

These are systemic signs of metabolic healing.

Why This Case Matters

At 74, Mrs. VDJ’s success challenges the notion that age or medical history limits transformation. Her case demonstrates that even with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, metabolic health can be restored through personalized nutrition rather than medication dependency.

The key was not extreme dieting or calorie restriction, but:

• Reducing hidden carbohydrates,

• Prioritizing quality fats,

• Ensuring protein adequacy, and

• Staying consistent.

  
  

In just three months, Mrs. VDJ achieved what years of conventional “healthy eating” couldn’t: real metabolic balance. Her journey underscores a simple truth: when you fix the metabolism, everything else starts to heal naturally. It’s not about eating less, it’s about eating right for your body’s biology.

Thinking About Your Own Metabolic Health?

If you’re struggling with fatigue, slow recovery, or unexplained inflammation, it’s time to look beyond calories and start understanding your metabolism.

Book your Free Metabolic Consultation

and start your own transformation, one meal, one habit, one step at a time.