Full Show Notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/podcast/drandrew/ Even elite athletes can look “fit” on the outside—yet show blood sugar patterns that scream prediabetic on the inside. Dr. Andrew Koutnik's research proves it. His groundbreaking work on ketogenic adaptation, insulin dynamics, and performance shows that real fitness isn’t about biceps or six-pack abs—it’s about metabolic health. In this episode, we dig into the science of metabolism, disease, and human adaptation—through one of the most eye-opening case studies you’ll ever hear: - How type 1 diabetes rewires the body’s relationship with food, insulin, and performance - Why natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and allulose are safer choices than artificial ones—and how allulose, in particular, may uniquely support blood sugar control - How modern tech like continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps is revolutionizing glucose management—yet still can’t fully replicate the body’s natural precision - Why some elite athletes experiment with insulin for performance—and the dangerous reality behind that practice - What his research reveals about ketogenic adaptation—and how a fat-fueled body can match or even outperform high-carb athletes once the body fully adapts - How stable brain energy from ketones and lactate sustains endurance better than glucose alone - What a decade of ketogenic research shows about thyroid, liver, kidney, and cardiovascular health—and why the data challenges mainstream assumptions This podcast was so epic, we are already planning a part 2, so stay tuned! Ad-free on LIFE Network: https://joinlifenetwork.com Ben Greenfield Life Website: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/ Ben Greenfield Life Podcast: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/podcast/ Ben Greenfield Books: https://shopbengreenfieldlife.com/collections/books Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bengreenfieldfitness/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BGFitness X https://twitter.com/bengreenfield TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@bengreenfield 00:00 "Diabetes: Beyond Type 2" 07:17 "Autoimmune Risks: Lifestyle & Environment" 11:04 Food Choices and Chronic Disease 20:58 "Managing Type 1 Diabetes Simplified" 26:16 "Type 1 Diabetes Management Tools" 28:19 "How the Body Processes Glucose" 32:42 "Insulin's Dual Role: Muscle vs. Fat" 38:22 "Ketogenic Diet and Athletic Performance" 46:04 "Blood Glucose Regulation Boosts Performance" 53:35 "Brain Fuel: Lactate and Ketones" 55:50 "Low-Carb Diet & Glycemic Control" 01:03:40 "Long-Term Effects of Ketogenic Diet" 01:09:47 "Health Insights from Extremes" 01:12:35 Optimizing Mind, Body, Spirit