For the 45 year old Executive, beating these odds was a mix of consistency, hardwork and will power.
Dhiraj was diagnosed with Fournier’s gangrene, as per a report in South China Morning Post. Fournier’s gangrene is a bacterial infection in which the bacteria eats up the soft tissue. It is a rare infection but is deadly in nature and mostly affects the genital and the perineum. In this infection, the genitals and the perineal areas get swollen and have significant pain. It is aptly defined as the polymicrobial necrotizing fasciitis of the genital areas. It was first identified in 1883. Diabetes is said to be one of the most common risk factors of the disease.In Dhiraj’s case, his diabetes was at an alarming level a few years back. His blood level had shot up two double the normal level and after an eight week recovery period he was stable. “When the doctor told me that I could have lost my life, I was shocked. I decided to do what was in my control. I had ignored my health over the years, developing unhealthy eating habits,” he told the media.
Distance running and cycling helped him
The life altering medical case prompted Dhiraj to take his health seriously. In his first attempt, he cycled 100 kms.
Later he took keen interest in running. He “My runs are sacrosanct. I realized that running is something that I enjoy. I get to spend time with myself. It has taught me to prioritize my needs. In the back of my mind, I had always aspired to be fit and become a distance runner. I had thought ‘someday I will run a marathon’ and my dream is now a reality,” Dhiraj told the media.
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He has been able to reduce his weight from 96 kilos to 78 kilos and is currently off his diabetes medication. His diet mostly includes salads, millet, and vegetable juices.