Susan Harris shares her inspiring journey of reversing type 2 diabetes through dietary changes. Diagnosed in 2021 with an HbA1c of 13.2, Susan initially declined medication, opting instead to change her diet. Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), she meticulously tracked her blood sugar responses to various foods, documenting her progress. Within seven months, she achieved pre-diabetic levels and ultimately reversed her diabetes without medication, maintaining an HbA1c of 5.7. Her story emphasizes the potential for lifestyle and dietary interventions to significantly improve metabolic health.
Initially, Susan followed a low-carb diet, incorporating fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts as recommended by traditional dietary guidelines. Although her blood sugar levels improved, she continued to experience symptoms such as inflammation, bruising, and skin issues. After meeting experts in Costa Rica, including Dr. Chaffee and Dr. Ken Berry, Susan transitioned to a carnivore diet, removing high-oxalate foods like almonds and spinach. This shift alleviated her inflammation and other symptoms, highlighting the drawbacks of some “healthy” foods for those with metabolic dysfunction.
Susan also shares insights into the challenges of maintaining weight on a carnivore diet. Initially losing too much weight, she reintroduced occasional fruits like apples and small amounts of cauliflower to stabilize her weight. She notes that satiety from a meat-based diet can lead to under-eating and emphasizes the importance of consuming sufficient protein and fats for maintaining health. Susan’s disciplined approach, including food tracking and self-regulation, underscores the importance of individual experimentation in finding the optimal diet.
Beyond her personal health journey, Susan has become an advocate for dietary education, particularly for children. Inspired by her own experience, she wrote a children’s book titled What Will Timmy Eat? that uses a creative storytelling approach to teach kids about the benefits of nutrient-dense, low-carb foods over processed, sugary alternatives. By targeting young audiences, Susan hopes to instill lifelong healthy eating habits, contributing to healthier adults in the future.
The podcast also touches on the broader implications of dietary guidelines and their influence on public health. Dr. Chaffee and Susan discuss the flaws in conventional nutritional advice and the role of corporate influence in shaping food recommendations. They encourage viewers to question traditional dietary wisdom and experiment with diets tailored to their unique needs. Susan’s story serves as a powerful testament to the potential of informed dietary choices to reverse chronic conditions and improve overall well-being.