"My name is Scott and I'm an addict."
This is how my conversation with Scott started and his words have weighed heavily on me for the past 2 days.
Why? Because Scott, a father to a 13-year old son, husband, small business owner and Type 2 diabetic, openly shared the brutal truth that lies at the root of his illness. In his own words, "I'm addicted to carbs and sugar, and so are most people in the USA. And until we admit that, nothing will change."
It took guts for Scott to sit down (via Zoom) with a complete stranger (me) and openly admit to being an addict. It took guts because in doing so he put the responsibility for getting help squarely on his own shoulders. And because overcoming addiction, of any kind, is tough. Scott has optic neuropathy in his right eye, peripheral neuropathy in both legs (up to his knees), has been rushed to the hospital numerous times and has lived most of his adult life unable to do even the most mundane of physical activities such as walking a mile. His addiction, as is the case for so many millions, has exacted a heavy price. Scott is 46 years old. It isn't all doom and gloom though. Things changed for Scott when he looked himself in the mirror and admitted to having an addiction. It forced him to take responsibility for his own health... for his own life. And he started making changes.
He started educating himself. And with that education he started making changes to the way he eats. And before you think that Scott spent thousands of dollars on fancy foods, high-priced coaching and expensive supplements, I will share that Scott and his family have been on food stamps and live with his in-laws because times aren't just tough, they are brutal. But he still found a way to eat in a way that has resulted in his losing 153 lbs. Scott has gotten his weight down from 405 lbs to 252 lbs. The neuropathy in his legs is diminishing slowly. The same for his right eye. He is now able to walk a half mile and can see a place in the not so distant future where he will be able to do 1+ miles.
The one hour and ten minutes that I spent talking with Scott was powerful. And scary. Because as the founder of a healthcare company that is focused on obesity and Type 2 diabetes, it is a reminder of just how difficult the battle is for so many millions of people. But it was also incredibly uplifting. It is a testament to the fact that with changes to the way we eat we can change our lives for the better.
We will be doing a video interview with Scott in the coming weeks so that you can "meet" him and hear more of his story.
In the meantime, take this advice from Scott:
Stop. Take a step back. Start asking questions about the things that you are eating.
Educate. Yourself. You can start here 👉 Outsmarting Type 2 diabetes
Take. Responsibility. No one - not your government, not your doctor, not your friends nor your family, are responsible for your health. That lies squarely on your shoulders.
Understand. That carb and sugar addiction is real. And that it is quite literally killing us. Millions of us. But that reducing the addiction is 100% possible.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share some of my conversation with Scott. I'm looking forward to introducing him to you soon. In the meantime, take care of yourself and reach out to us anytime. Keep well, Dave
