What happens when a former military officer who thought he was the epitome of health receives a devastating Type 2 diabetes diagnosis while standing in a gym? Stephen's powerful story reveals the shocking moment his doctor told him he had "the second worst diagnosis possible" that would cut 13-17 years off his life expectancy.

Despite working out 5-6 days a week, Stephen's health was failing him. His journey from denial to determination unfolds as he shares how traditional medications left him with debilitating side effects—spending 20 hours a day in constant pain and contemplating whether life was worth living under those conditions.

The turning point came through extensive personal research and self-experimentation with the ketogenic and carnivore approaches. Stephen reveals his most profound discoveries: how stress alone can spike blood glucose levels even during fasting, the remarkable effectiveness of a simple 10-minute walk in normalizing blood sugar, and why his previous vegetarian and vegan diets were actually worsening his condition.

Through continuous glucose monitoring, Stephen gained unprecedented insights into his body's responses. He shares the exact moments of clarity that transformed his understanding of nutrition—discovering that starch is fundamentally sugar, that his afternoon energy crashes weren't inevitable signs of aging, and that mental clarity could return after years of brain fog.

For anyone struggling with metabolic health issues or seeking to optimize their wellness, this episode offers practical strategies backed by both science and lived experience. From navigating social situations to building an effective health support system, Stephen's military-honed discipline combines with compassionate wisdom to provide a roadmap for sustainable health transformation.

Listen now to discover how one man reclaimed his health against seemingly impossible odds, and what advice he would give his younger self if he could travel back in time with the knowledge he has today.