Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistan

Melissa Slemp
  • 4.8 (25)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This podcast is for women with type 1 diabetes navigating perimenopause, menopause, and all the hormonal shifts that come with midlife. Hosted by Melissa Slemp — certified nutritional and hormone health coach, personal trainer, and founder of Abundant Health with Melissa — this show offers real talk, expert advice, and practical strategies to help you manage blood sugar swings, insulin resistance, weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, and more. Diagnosed with T1D at 14, Melissa knows firsthand the challenges of managing diabetes through midlife. Each week, she brings you honest conversations, expert insights, and tips on nutrition, exercise, hormone therapy, stress, faith, and relationships — everything you need to feel seen, supported, and strong. This isn’t just another diabetes podcast. It’s the community and empowerment you’ve been looking for. Let’s redefine what thriving with T1D in midlife really means — together. Connect with Melissa on IG @Type1.In.Midlife Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

  1. Ep 125 - Why Aren’t More Women Offered Hormone Replacement?

    1D AGO

    Ep 125 - Why Aren’t More Women Offered Hormone Replacement?

    Host Melissa Slemp, a certified hormone health coach and T1D warrior of 43+ years, uncovers what doctors don’t always tell us: how perimenopause and post-menopause impact diabetes, weight, mood, and long-term health. Need a place where you feel understood and supported? Come check out our Type 1 in Midlife Community—where we rebuild energy, resilience, and faith together. Join a caring community of women and get expert support to confidently manage diabetes and menopause. Try it free for 14 days! https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/joingroupcoaching2025   In this conversation, Melissa dives into the importance of hormone replacement therapy for women—especially those living with diabetes. She challenges common misconceptions about menopause, shares the real benefits of HRT, and emphasizes why open conversations with healthcare providers are critical. Drawing from both research and personal experience, Melissa highlights how outdated studies continue to fuel fear and silence around HRT. Her goal: to give women the tools and confidence to make informed decisions about their health. Topics covered: ·       HRT offers far more than hot flash relief—it supports long-term health. ·       Many women with diabetes aren’t told about the advantages of HRT. ·       HRT can improve insulin sensitivity, making diabetes easier to manage. ·       Conversations about hormone therapy are often missing in women’s healthcare. ·       Personal stories reveal the real impact of low hormones on daily life. ·       The 2002 WHI study created unnecessary fear around HRT. ·       Women must advocate for themselves and seek accurate information. ·       Bioidentical hormones may be a safer, more effective option. ·       It’s never too late to explore hormone replacement. ·       Education and awareness are key to empowering women’s health decisions. Screenshot this episode and share it on Instagram—tag @type1inmidlife   Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode. What to do now: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes  Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    34 min
  2. Ep 124 - From Cycles to Menopause: Our Stories + A Big Book Announcement!

    SEP 22

    Ep 124 - From Cycles to Menopause: Our Stories + A Big Book Announcement!

    This week’s episode is a very personal one. Melissa (age 58, now post-menopause) and Kelly (age 41, navigating perimenopause) open up about their real-life journeys through hormonal shifts, type 1 diabetes, and everything in between. 📖 Book Announcement: This conversation is also a celebration—Melissa’s upcoming book is set to launch in early 2026, and Kelly will be a featured contributor alongside other women’s health experts. Together, they’re creating a survival guide for women with T1D, LADA, and MODY, covering everything from monthly cycles to menopause.   For an early look, download the free guide HRT & T1D: The What, When & How on Hormone Replacement— https://abundant-health-with-melissa.kit.com/hrtandtype1diabetes You’ll get a sneak peek of what’s inside the book, plus prelaunch access and insider updates along the way.   Kelly Schmidt, a regular contributor here on the show, has helped thousands of people with T1D thrive and prevent complications through personalized nutrition. With more than 12 years of experience, she’s a registered dietitian, fitness instructor, wife, and mom of two. As the founder of Kelly Schmidt Wellness, LLC, she helps ambitious men and women support their metabolism and nutrition with proven functional strategies—blending her professional expertise with her lived experience of type 1 diabetes to pave the way for others to thrive using functional, sustainable tools. We open up about: ·       How hormone changes first showed up in our lives—and how long it took to connect the dots ·       The role of stress, thyroid, and inflammation in shaping symptoms ·       Our experiences with hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—what worked, what didn’t, and why no two women’s protocols look the same ·       The misconceptions we both had about hormones before we started ·       Practical strategies that have helped us manage erratic blood sugars, sleep, cravings, mood swings, and energy through midlife ·       Why we’re passionate about sharing these stories openly—and how they’re shaping the upcoming book [insert working title] If you’ve ever wondered “Is it just me?” when it comes to midlife symptoms, you’ll feel right at home here.   Got questions for Kelly and me? Reach out via the links below—we’d love to hear from you!   Connect with Kelly Schmidt: Website IG @diabeticdietitian/ YouTube   Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode. What to do now: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes  Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    51 min
  3. Ep 123 - When Retinopathy Sparks Fear: 3 Signs Perfectionism Is Taking Over

    SEP 15

    Ep 123 - When Retinopathy Sparks Fear: 3 Signs Perfectionism Is Taking Over

    Today I open up about a season of my life when fear of complications—after being diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy—drove me into a cycle of perfectionism with my blood sugars. Need a place where you feel understood and supported? Come check out our Type 1 in Midlife coaching circle—where we rebuild energy, resilience, and faith together. Join a caring community of women and get expert support to confidently manage diabetes and menopause. Try it free for 14 days! https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/joingroupcoaching2025 I share the heavy toll it took on my health, family, and peace of mind, and the three red flags that perfectionism may be running your diabetes. More importantly, I walk you through two mindset shifts that helped me finally break free: learning to influence instead of control and choosing curiosity over judgment. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from chasing perfect numbers or burdened by guilt after every reading, this episode is for you. You’ll leave encouraged to loosen your grip, find more freedom in your diabetes care, and discover that peace—not perfection—is what truly protects your health. Topics I cover: Melissa shares her fear of blood and diabetes management. Perfectionism can hinder effective diabetes management. Community support is crucial for emotional well-being. Recognizing red flags can help in managing diabetes better. It's important to celebrate small victories in blood sugar management. Mindset shifts can lead to a healthier relationship with diabetes. Control is an illusion; influence is the goal. Avoiding social situations due to diabetes can be detrimental. Self-judgment can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Finding joy in life with diabetes is possible. Screenshot this episode and share it on Instagram—tag @type1inmidlife to join the conversation.   Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode. What to do now: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes  Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    31 min
  4. Ep 122 - Imagine Losing the Insulin That Works for You: The Battle to Save Levemir

    SEP 8

    Ep 122 - Imagine Losing the Insulin That Works for You: The Battle to Save Levemir

    If you've ever found an insulin that just works—one that gives you flexibility through puberty, pregnancy, or perimenopause—imagine having it pulled from the shelves. That’s exactly what’s happening with Levemir (insulin detemir) in the U.S., and soon, around the world. In this episode, I’m joined by Alison Smart, President of the Alliance to Protect Insulin Choice. Alison’s daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13, and Levemir became the insulin that allowed her to stay active, stable, and in control—especially as a teen athlete. We talk about: ·       Why Levemir’s shorter duration gives it unique flexibility ·       How hormonal shifts—especially during perimenopause or pregnancy—make this insulin essential ·       The real reason Levemir is being phased out (spoiler: it has nothing to do with safety or effectiveness) ·       What the Alliance is doing to protect access and create a biosimilar option ·       Why limiting our insulin options is a dangerous step backwards in diabetes care Whether you're using a pump or injections, are newly diagnosed or decades in—this conversation is for anyone who believes patients deserve options.   🔗 Links mentioned in the episode: ·       Learn more & support the mission: https://chng.it/qLqYjqhcLv ·       https://alliancetoprotectinsulinchoice.org ·       Follow on social:        X:  @insulinchoice              IG: @alliancetoprotectinsulinchoice              Facebook   Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode. What to do now: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes  Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    48 min
  5. Ep 121 - GLP-1s, Pump Choices & Real-Life Nutrition: A Conversation with Lindsay Cohen, RDN, CDCES

    SEP 1

    Ep 121 - GLP-1s, Pump Choices & Real-Life Nutrition: A Conversation with Lindsay Cohen, RDN, CDCES

    In this episode, Melissa sits down with Lindsay Cohen, a St. Louis-based Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), and founder of Mama-Betes. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 9, Lindsay brings both lived experience and deep professional expertise to her work with women — especially moms — navigating the daily realities of diabetes, nutrition, and family life. We cover: Lindsay’s diagnosis story and what inspired her career path The unique challenges moms with T1D face, from pregnancy to parenting Practical tips for simplifying nutrition and meal planning (yes, dinner can be a 10-minute “multi-meal”!) The evolving conversation around GLP-1 medications in Type 1 diabetes, including Lindsay’s personal experience with micro-dosing Ozempic The importance of planning, self-care, and community for women balancing diabetes, motherhood, and everything in between How to release the pressure of “perfect” nutrition and instead focus on what really matters Lindsay’s mission is simple: take the stress and confusion out of diabetes and nutrition — and make it feel approachable, realistic, and even enjoyable.   Connect with Lindsay Cohen:  Website  Article about getting a GLP-1 prescribed  Article about being prescribed a GLP-1  IG @mamabetesblog  Free Facebook community for women with T1D on or interested in GLP-1s  The Ultimate Guide to Navigating GLP-1 Medications with Type 1 Diabetes (freebie)  If you want to include a link to my e-book, the GLP-1 + T1D Starter guide, it is available here for $19.99   Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode. What to do now: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes  Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    52 min
  6. Ep 120 - How Acupuncture + Herbs Can Calm Hormones and Blood Sugar Chaos with Dr. Beck Hoehn

    AUG 25

    Ep 120 - How Acupuncture + Herbs Can Calm Hormones and Blood Sugar Chaos with Dr. Beck Hoehn

    In this empowering episode, I’m joined by Dr. Beck Hoehn—a licensed acupuncturist, board-certified herbalist, and fertility specialist based in Los Angeles. With a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, Dr. Hoehn helps women move through hormonal chaos with the wisdom of Eastern medicine and the precision of personalized care. We explore how acupuncture and herbal medicine can support perimenopause and menopause—especially for women with autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes. From regulating the HPOA axis to relieving vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disruption, Dr. Hoehn explains how we can get ahead of symptoms and use natural tools to reclaim balance. She also breaks down: ·       Why urine metabolite testing gives better insight than labs alone ·       The power of adaptogenic herbs like Vitex (chasteberry) ·       When it’s safe—or not safe—to combine herbs with HRT ·       How cycle tracking needs to evolve in perimenopause ·       The emotional weight of midlife symptoms and how to advocate for better care If you’ve ever felt dismissed or told to “just wait it out,” this episode offers real hope, grounded strategies, and new ways to feel seen and supported. Connect with Dr. Hoehn IG @drbeckhoehn Website - Dr. Hoehn’s clinic and upcoming telehealth Mentioned in the Episode: Urine Metabolite Kit Resources page: https://www.drbeckhoehn.com/freeguides   Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode. What to do now: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes  Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    48 min
  7. Ep 119 - Menopause + Diabetes = Brain Fog on Steroids

    AUG 18

    Ep 119 - Menopause + Diabetes = Brain Fog on Steroids

    In this heartfelt solo episode, Melissa opens up about a topic many women hesitate to admit: struggling with focus and mental clarity during midlife. As a woman living with type 1 diabetes and navigating menopause, she shares her personal experience with brain fog, memory slips, and the frustration of not feeling “like herself.” Need a place where you feel understood and supported? Come check out our Type 1 in Midlife coaching circle—where we rebuild energy, resilience, and faith together. Join a caring community of women and get expert support to confidently manage diabetes and menopause. Try it free for 14 days! Cancel anytime. https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/joingroupcoaching2025 Melissa explores: The science behind estrogen loss and neurotransmitter changes How diabetes adds another layer of inflammation and cognitive load Why CGM metrics like standard deviation matter more than A1C for brain health The emotional toll of declining mental clarity—and why shame isn’t the answer Actionable tools to improve focus: from blood sugar stability to creatine, resistance training, and HRT Simple strategies like breathwork, circadian rhythms, and brain-stimulating activities Questions to reflect on: Has your healthcare provider acknowledged your mental clarity changes? Do you feel supported? This episode isn’t just informative, it’s validating. If you’ve felt mentally scattered, frustrated, or just “off,” know this: you’re not alone. And there are real, practical steps you can take to reclaim clarity and confidence. Mentioned: Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s book The Menopause Brain Creatine, saffron, and foundational supplements for cognitive support The Type 1 in Midlife coaching circle (free 14-day trial—link in show notes!) Your mind matters. And this episode reminds you that your symptoms are real—and there is help. Screenshot this episode and share it on Instagram—tag @type1inmidlife to join the conversation.   Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode. What to do now: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes  Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    32 min
  8. Ep 118 - When Nothing Makes Sense: Learning to Influence (Not Control) Diabetes with Kaycee Parker

    AUG 11

    Ep 118 - When Nothing Makes Sense: Learning to Influence (Not Control) Diabetes with Kaycee Parker

    Ever had one of those days where diabetes just doesn’t make sense—no matter how “perfect” your routine was? In this episode, I’m joined again by Kaycee Parker, author of Devotions on Diabetes, to unpack the heart behind Day 3 of her devotional: “Nothing Makes Sense.” Together, we dive into those frustrating moments when familiar routines stop working, insulin sensitivity vanishes, and you’re left asking: Why? We talk about: Kaycee’s recurring low blood sugar every Sunday at church—and what it taught her Why “control” is the wrong word, and “influence” is the better mindset Hormones, stress, movement, and meal timing—and why they can shift our insulin needs overnight The emotional and spiritual weight of unpredictable blood sugars Scriptures that offer peace when the body feels unrecognizable We also talk about the importance of observing trends without rushing to change pump settings, letting go of perfectionism, and trusting that peace comes not from perfect glucose graphs—but from the presence of God in the midst of the unknown. Kaycee also shares a sneak peek into her next project: a new cookbook, Diabetic Meals Made Easy! Verses Referenced: James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious… and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds.” John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart—I have overcome the world.” Connect with Kaycee Parker: Devotions on Diabetes — available on Amazon Follow Kaycee: @devotionsondiabetes on IG and Facebook ·       Visit her website http://devotionsondiabetes.com/   Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode. What to do now: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes  Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    52 min
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About

This podcast is for women with type 1 diabetes navigating perimenopause, menopause, and all the hormonal shifts that come with midlife. Hosted by Melissa Slemp — certified nutritional and hormone health coach, personal trainer, and founder of Abundant Health with Melissa — this show offers real talk, expert advice, and practical strategies to help you manage blood sugar swings, insulin resistance, weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, and more. Diagnosed with T1D at 14, Melissa knows firsthand the challenges of managing diabetes through midlife. Each week, she brings you honest conversations, expert insights, and tips on nutrition, exercise, hormone therapy, stress, faith, and relationships — everything you need to feel seen, supported, and strong. This isn’t just another diabetes podcast. It’s the community and empowerment you’ve been looking for. Let’s redefine what thriving with T1D in midlife really means — together. Connect with Melissa on IG @Type1.In.Midlife Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

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