In Episode 72 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, the clinicians of Integrated Diabetes Services—Jennifer Smith, Dana Roseman, Tavia Vital, and Dr. Paula Diab—tackle a topic that is rarely discussed but deeply impactful: navigating perimenopause and menopause with type 1 diabetes. Drawing from both clinical expertise and lived experience, these women unpack what many people are never told in the exam room about hormonal shifts, blood sugar volatility, insulin sensitivity changes, and the emotional toll of this life stage. They candidly share the frustrations of managing their own diabetes through perimenopause and menopause, while also offering practical insights, validation, and strategies that have helped them—and their patients—along the way. This conversation brings clarity, compassion, and real-world guidance to a phase of life that too often leaves people with type 1 diabetes feeling confused, dismissed, or alone. MEET YOUR HOSTS: Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration. Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems. Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique. Dr Paula Diab PhD, CDCES is the Director of Weight Management at Integrated Diabetes Services. She is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️Menopause will make you think that you are doing something wrong after years of getting it right…but you aren’t! ✔️The inconsistency of hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause make it hard to nail down changes that may be required. ✔️ The value of finding other women to share your concerns with. ✔️Women with type 1 diabetes must take extra precautions to avoid bone issues found in aging. ✔️Self-care is not optional. CHAPTERS 0:56 Welcome and Introduction 05:06 Menopause today is not what it was in your grandmother’s day 07:33 It isn’t your fault 09:00 The illusive nature of the onset of perimenopause and the havoc it creates. 12:21 How changing hormone levels impact your body 14:28 The domino effect of symptoms 18:41 Who do you turn to for medical help? 22:01 Menopause support 23:27 Understanding hormone replacement therapy 25:30 Mitigating your risk factors 28:12 Physical fitness after 50 is no longer optional 31:59 Tips for weight management in menopause and perimenopause 39:53 The impact of “menopause day” on diabetes management 41:59 Final thoughts RESOURCES It’s a New Year – forget resolutions or big giant goals. The Power of Protein Only About 5% of US Women Now Use Menopausal Hormone Therapy The Power of a Team in Your Diabetes Weight Loss Journey – Integrated Diabetes Services Weight management for people living with diabetes CONNECT WITH US 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ , or email info@integrateddiabetes.com SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.
