Stephen Carpenter's Battle with Type 2 Diabetes During Deftones' Latest Album

Stephen Carpenter, the guitarist for the alternative metal band Deftones, has openly discussed his struggles with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, which he endured for several years before receiving a diagnosis around 2024. In an interview with Premier Guitar, Carpenter reflected on how this condition affected both his physical and mental health during the writing and recording of Deftones' latest album, *Private Music*. He stated, “I had no clue what I was going through. I’d just been so out of it for the past four or five years – all the things that go with poor diet and poor exercise, that’s what I experienced.”

DEFTONES Guitarist STEPHEN CARPENTER Opens Up About Type 2 Diabetes Struggles During Latest Album

During the album's creation, Carpenter faced significant challenges. He described periods of extreme fatigue and pain, particularly in his right arm, which hindered his ability to play guitar. “During the whole writing process, I was just tired, but I was not connecting how I felt to what I was doing,” he explained. Despite these difficulties, he managed to complete his guitar parts once his condition improved slightly, stating, “I did what I could to just take care of myself – at least, as best as I understood what I was going through.”

Deftones’ Stephen Carpenter Reveals His Struggle with Undiagnosed Condition"I was just shy of crying from pain that was in my right arm. I couldn’t even move it": Stephen Carpenter sheds light on the health struggles that have impacted his playingDEFTONES Guitarist STEPHEN CARPENTER Opens Up About Type 2 Diabetes Struggles During Latest Album

Carpenter attributed part of his recovery to the support of his bandmates, particularly vocalist Chino Moreno, who encouraged him to seek medical help. He expressed gratitude for their positive energy, which he felt was instrumental in navigating his health struggles during the album's production. “Type 2 diabetes was affecting me on a number of levels for a long time, and I’m grateful to have that information now and be able to deal with it,” Carpenter noted.

"I was just shy of crying from pain that was in my right arm. I couldn’t even move it": Stephen Carpenter sheds light on the health struggles that have impacted his playing

*Private Music*, released on August 22, 2025, via Reprise Records, marks Deftones' tenth studio album. The album features 11 tracks that showcase the band's continued evolution while maintaining their signature sound. Notable singles, including “My Mind Is a Mountain” and “Milk of the Madonna,” were released prior to the album, demonstrating the band's ability to blend heavy and melodic elements despite the challenges faced during the recording process.

Deftones’ Stephen Carpenter Reveals His Struggle with Undiagnosed ConditionDEFTONES Guitarist STEPHEN CARPENTER Opens Up About Type 2 Diabetes Struggles During Latest Album"I was just shy of crying from pain that was in my right arm. I couldn’t even move it": Stephen Carpenter sheds light on the health struggles that have impacted his playing

While Carpenter's journey has been one of resilience, it has also highlighted the broader issue of health awareness in the music industry. Critics argue that the pressures of touring and recording can lead artists to neglect their health, often attributing symptoms to aging or stress rather than seeking medical advice.

DEFTONES Guitarist STEPHEN CARPENTER Opens Up About Type 2 Diabetes Struggles During Latest Album

• “I just thought it was old-man life shit. I was self-medicating, hoping I was doing the right thing, and always hoping things would get better so I wouldn’t have to do any of that,” — Stephen Carpenter, Guitarist, Deftones

Deftones’ Stephen Carpenter Reveals His Struggle with Undiagnosed Condition

• “I’m also really grateful to everyone else in the band – their positive energy really carried me through that period of time, and really carried us through the making of the album.” — Stephen Carpenter, Guitarist, Deftones

"I was just shy of crying from pain that was in my right arm. I couldn’t even move it": Stephen Carpenter sheds light on the health struggles that have impacted his playing

Carpenter's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of health awareness and support systems, particularly in high-pressure environments like the music industry.

DEFTONES Guitarist STEPHEN CARPENTER Opens Up About Type 2 Diabetes Struggles During Latest Album