India’s home minister says changes to his sleep, diet, hydration and exercise helped him lose more than 20kg, but experts warn that diabetes remission is not a universal cure.
Amit Shah has described how changes in his daily routine, rather than any single intervention, helped him lose more than 20 kg and improve his health after being diagnosed with diabetes. According to coverage by NDTV and other Indian outlets, the Union home minister said his progress came after he began paying closer attention to sleep, hydration, diet and exercise, with the changes starting in May 2020.
Speaking at a World Liver Day event organised by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in New Delhi on April 19, 2025, Shah said he had been free of allopathic medicines for several years and credited his improvement to sustained lifestyle adjustments. Hindustan Times reported that he told the audience to make time for two hours of exercise and six hours of sleep each day, framing those habits as central to his recovery. Moneycontrol also reported that Shah linked his better health to regular physical activity, improved eating patterns and more careful hydration.
His account has drawn attention because it touches on a broader question in diabetes care: when weight loss can improve blood sugar control, and when it cannot. In some people with type 2 diabetes, substantial and sustained weight reduction can improve insulin sensitivity enough to bring about remission under medical supervision. But that is not the same as a permanent cure, and it does not apply to everyone. Type 1 diabetes remains an autoimmune condition that requires insulin, while people who see their glucose levels improve should still have their treatment reviewed by a clinician before making any medication changes.
The emphasis on sleep is also notable. Sleep affects appetite, energy, insulin sensitivity and the ability to keep up with exercise, and poor rest can make weight management harder. Shah’s advice may reflect his own experience, but it is not a universal prescription. Public health guidance generally advises adults to aim for seven to nine hours a night, alongside regular physical activity tailored to age, fitness level and medical status.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
