Type 1 In Midlife: Perimenopause, Menopause & Type 1 Diabetes

Melissa Slemp

The Type 1 in Midlife Podcast is for women navigating hormones and blood sugar through perimenopause, menopause, and aging with type 1 diabetes. Hosted by Melissa Slemp, certified nutritional and hormone health coach, author of Highs, Lows & Hormones, and living with type 1 diabetes for more than 44 years. This show brings honest conversations, practical strategies, and real-life support to women who are tired of feeling dismissed, confused, or alone in their health journey. Inside each episode, you'll learn how hormones impact insulin resistance, sleep, weight gain, stress, energy, metabolism, and blood sugar management during every stage of life. Melissa also brings trusted conversations around the benefits and considerations of hormone therapy, helping women better understand current research, treatment options, symptom relief, and how hormone support may improve quality of life during midlife and menopause. Through lived experience, coaching insight, expert interviews, and faith-filled encouragement, Melissa helps women better understand their bodies, confidently advocate for the care and support they deserve, and feel empowered to make informed health decisions. If you're looking for practical help, validation, education, and a community of women who truly get it — you're in the right place. Connect with Melissa, grab free resources, explore coaching through Abundant Health with Melissa, and learn more about the book in the show notes. 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 161 - Perimenopause and Type 1 Diabetes: The Symptoms Doctors Often Miss

    5d ago

    Ep 161 - Perimenopause and Type 1 Diabetes: The Symptoms Doctors Often Miss

    What happens when perimenopause collides with type 1 diabetes? For many women, the answer is confusion, frustration, and feeling like they're suddenly managing a completely different body. In this episode, Melissa sits down with Sascha Vrolijk, founder of Project M(e) and host of the Perimenopause Unfiltered podcast. Sascha shares her personal journey of experiencing brain fog, anxiety, exhaustion, and unpredictable blood sugars that ultimately led her to leave a demanding career before discovering that perimenopause was at the root of many of her symptoms. Together, they discuss: • The symptoms that made Sascha realize something wasn't right • Why so many women are unprepared for perimenopause • How hormonal changes can impact blood sugar management with type 1 diabetes • The emotional toll of feeling unlike yourself • Why self-advocacy matters in healthcare • How to prepare for productive conversations with your doctor • Common hormone therapy concerns and misconceptions • The importance of finding a provider who listens and collaborates • Why sharing our stories helps other women feel less alone Whether you're beginning to notice changes in your cycle, struggling with unexplained blood sugar swings, or simply wondering if hormones could be playing a role in how you feel, this conversation offers validation, practical insights, and encouragement. Remember: You're not imagining it. Hormones matter and understanding what's happening in your body is the first step toward feeling more confident and in control.   Connect with Sascha Vrolijk Website https://www.myproject-me.com/ Podcast Perimenopause Unfiltered     Connect with Melissa Slemp:   Follow on: Instagram Tik Tok YouTube Linkedin   Check out Melissa's website   Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones   Connect with other like-minded women in a supportive group coaching community: Type 1 In Midlife Coaching Circle   Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    57 min
  2. Ep 160 - Success With LADA Diabetes with Linnea May Huxford: Why Proper Testing Matters

    Jun 1

    Ep 160 - Success With LADA Diabetes with Linnea May Huxford: Why Proper Testing Matters

    What happens when you're told you have type 2 diabetes… but your body keeps telling you something isn't right? In today's conversation, I'm joined by Linnea May Huxford, author of the book Success with LADA Diabetes, as we unpack one of the most misunderstood forms of diabetes: LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults). Linnea shares her personal story of being misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 31 years old, despite having classic symptoms of autoimmune diabetes. We discuss the emotional toll of delayed diagnosis, the importance of proper testing, and why so many adults are still falling through the cracks. Inside this episode, we cover: What LADA diabetes actually is Why adults are often misdiagnosed as type 2 Important testing: antibody panels + C-peptide Why insulin is not something to fear CGMs, pumps, and learning to "sugar surf" Hormones, perimenopause, and insulin resistance Mental health and diabetes burnout The difference between managing diabetes and micromanaging it Why women especially experience more unpredictable blood sugars during hormone shifts The importance of community, advocacy, and self-trust This conversation is compassionate, educational, and deeply validating for anyone living with insulin-dependent diabetes—especially women navigating midlife hormone changes. Linnea also shares why she believes earlier diagnosis and awareness could dramatically change long-term outcomes for millions of people living with LADA worldwide. Connect with Linnea May Huxford: Her book: Success with LADA Diabetes: Achieving Optimal Health with Diet, Exercise, and Insulin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LinneaMayHuxford Website: InsulinPumpLife.com   🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs hope and community today.   Connect with Melissa Slemp:   Follow on: Instagram Tik Tok YouTube Linkedin   Check out Melissa's website   Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones   Connect with other like-minded women in a supportive group coaching community: Type 1 In Midlife Coaching Circle   Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    47 min
  3. Ep 159 - Why Your Blood Sugars Go Wild Before Your Period — And What to Do About It

    May 25

    Ep 159 - Why Your Blood Sugars Go Wild Before Your Period — And What to Do About It

    For years, I thought I was failing at diabetes every single month. Same meals. Same insulin. Same workouts. Yet suddenly my blood sugars were higher, corrections stopped working, cravings intensified, and I felt exhausted trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. Then I learned the truth: Hormones change insulin sensitivity. In this episode of the Type 1 in Midlife Podcast, we're talking about why blood sugars often become more difficult to manage during the luteal phase — the 7–14 days before your period begins — and how progesterone can increase insulin resistance, impact fasting glucose, cravings, sleep, and stress response. Inside this conversation: • Why insulin suddenly feels "weaker" before your cycle • Common blood sugar patterns women experience before a period • Higher fasting numbers and stubborn post-meal highs • Cravings, sleep disruption, and lower HRV • How to track your cycle without becoming obsessive • Why understanding patterns reduces fear and self-blame   If you've ever felt like you have "two versions" of diabetes every month, this episode will help you feel seen, validated, and informed.   This conversation is also a sneak peek into my upcoming book, Highs, Lows & Hormones, releasing May 27, 2026 — created to help women better understand the connection between hormones, blood sugar, and life transitions from monthly cycles to menopause.   Resources + Next Steps My upcoming book, Highs, Lows & Hormones, goes deeper into this—helping you understand how your cycle, hormones, sleep, and insulin all work together so you can stop guessing and start responding with confidence. 👉 Order Your Book: Highs, Lows, & Hormones 👉 Connect with other women inside the Type 1 in Midlife Coaching Circle     Connect with Melissa Slemp:   Follow on: Instagram Tik Tok YouTube Linkedin   Check out Melissa's website   Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones   Connect with other like-minded women in a supportive group coaching community: Type 1 In Midlife Coaching Circle   Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

    28 min
  4. Ep 158 - Fasting Glucose Rising? It's Not What You Think

    May 18

    Ep 158 - Fasting Glucose Rising? It's Not What You Think

    If your morning number has started creeping up—even though you haven't changed anything—you are not imagining it. This is one of the most common patterns I see in women with type 1 diabetes moving through their 40s and beyond. And it's not about doing more or trying harder. It's physiology. In this episode, I'm breaking down why fasting blood sugar is often the first place midlife hormone shifts show up—and what's actually happening overnight in your body. Because when you understand the "why," you can respond with clarity instead of frustration.   What You'll Learn: How declining estrogen impacts insulin sensitivity overnight Why cortisol rises earlier and stronger in midlife How the dawn phenomenon becomes more pronounced The role of progesterone shifts in blood sugar variability Why muscle loss affects overnight glucose regulation How sleep disruption directly raises fasting blood sugar   Why This Matters Morning blood sugar is often the first signal that something is shifting hormonally. And too often, women blame themselves. But this isn't failure, it's your body asking for a different approach.   What You Can Start Doing: Build and protect muscle with strength training Prioritize protein at dinner to support overnight stability Improve sleep quality to lower cortisol response Evaluate basal insulin needs (this often changes in midlife) Track patterns across your cycle or symptom shifts   A Personal Note After 40+ years of living with type 1 diabetes, I've seen how quickly things can change in this season. What used to work… stops working, and that can feel discouraging. But it's also where deeper understanding begins.   Resources + Next Steps My upcoming book, Highs, Lows & Hormones, goes deeper into this—helping you understand how your cycle, hormones, sleep, and insulin all work together so you can stop guessing and start responding with confidence. 👉 Join the waitlist + get my free Type 1 + Hormone Support Guide 👉 Connect with other women inside the Type 1 in Midlife Coaching Circle     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. *Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support.     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.

    19 min
  5. Ep 157 - Hormones, Fear of Highs & Finding Support

    May 11

    Ep 157 - Hormones, Fear of Highs & Finding Support

    What happens when the routines that once worked for your Type 1 diabetes suddenly stop working? In this episode, Melissa sits down with Alyssa Chapman, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 34 and has now lived with it for nearly 17 years. Together, they talk about what it looks like to manage diabetes through midlife, especially when hormone shifts begin affecting blood sugar, energy, sleep, and overall wellbeing. Alyssa shares her experience of being diagnosed later in life, navigating the emotional side of diabetes, learning to recognize hormone-related blood sugar patterns, and discovering the value of tracking symptoms instead of only chasing numbers. This is also a conversation about something many women need more of: support. Alyssa hosts a monthly meetup through DiabetesSisters and shares why being around other women who truly understand can make such a difference.   In This Episode, We Talk About: What it was like being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 34 The classic symptoms Alyssa noticed before diagnosis Why adult diagnosis can sometimes be missed or misunderstood The fear of eating and dosing insulin in the early days How hormones started changing her blood sugar patterns in midlife What she noticed around her cycle and insulin sensitivity Tracking symptoms and discovering patterns with progesterone The emotional weight of fearing high blood sugars Letting go of perfection and micromanagement Using the Omnipod and Dexcom while learning to trust the system more The importance of finding providers who actually listen Why women need community support while navigating Type 1 in midlife Alyssa's role hosting a monthly DiabetesSisters support meetup Want deeper support? If you or someone you love is navigating life with diabetes, visit diabetessisters.org to become a member. It's free to join and free to use, and it's a great place to find community and support. Learn more about my Type 1 in Midlife Coaching Circle, where we meet weekly and focus on one area of health each month to support hormones, blood sugar, and long-term wellbeing.   Connect with Alyssa Chapman on IG @midlifet1d   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. *Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support.     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.

    45 min
  6. Ep 156 - GMI vs A1C: Why Your Numbers Don't Match (And What Actually Matters)

    May 4

    Ep 156 - GMI vs A1C: Why Your Numbers Don't Match (And What Actually Matters)

    Have you ever looked at your CGM and felt confident… only to get your lab A1C back and feel completely thrown off? If your numbers don't match, you're not doing anything wrong. In this episode, we're breaking down the real reason your CGM estimate (GMI) and lab A1C can show different results—and why this disconnect can feel so frustrating, especially after years of doing your best to manage type 1 diabetes. Melissa shares her personal experience of seeing a 5.9 CGM estimate vs a 6.2 lab A1C and why that moment matters more than just the number. This conversation will help you stop second-guessing yourself and start understanding what your data is actually telling you.   In This Episode I cover: What A1C really measures (and what it doesn't) How CGMs track glucose differently (interstitial vs blood) Why CGM estimates (GMI) are not exact The role of standard deviation and glucose variability Why your A1C can look "good" while your daily swings tell another story How anemia, iron levels, and hormones can impact A1C results Sensor accuracy, lag time, and calibration factors Why midlife hormones make this even more confusing Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 153: What Labs to Ask for When You're Told "Everything Is Normal" Free Guide: Hormone Therapy + Type 1 Diabetes Upcoming Book: Highs, Lows & Hormones   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. *Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support.     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.

    27 min
  7. Ep 155 - 3 Months Post Islet Cell Transplant for Type 1 Diabetes: Katie Beth Hand's Story

    Apr 27

    Ep 155 - 3 Months Post Islet Cell Transplant for Type 1 Diabetes: Katie Beth Hand's Story

    What does life actually feel like 3 months after an islet cell transplant for Type 1 diabetes? In this episode, I'm joined by Katie Beth Hand for an honest and hope-filled update on what life has looked like since receiving her islet cell transplant as part of a clinical trial for Type 1 diabetes. Katie Beth was diagnosed with Type 1 in 2013 and is now 3 months post-transplant, sharing what this experience has been like physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We talk about what it's like to be off insulin, how her daily decisions around food and exercise have changed, and why one of the biggest gifts has been freedom from the constant fear of lows. We also talk about: what made her say yes to this clinical trial how the transplant process worked what the medication Tegoprubart (Tego) is doing to help protect the islet cells what life looks like now without basal insulin or mealtime insulin how food, movement, and blood sugar feel different now what she's noticed around monthly cycles, hormones, and insulin resistance why the Islet Act matters for the future of Type 1 diabetes research and why this moment feels so hopeful for the T1D community This conversation is such a meaningful reminder that while many women are still carrying the daily burden of Type 1 diabetes, there is real progress happening — and real reason to stay hopeful. If you've been watching Katie Beth's story unfold online, or if you're simply curious what a functional cure might actually look like in real life, this episode is one you'll want to hear.   In This Episode 00:00 Meet Katie Beth Hand 03:00 Why she said yes to the clinical trial 07:00 What makes this transplant medication different 13:00 Coming off basal insulin 17:00 The biggest life-changing shift: fewer lows 21:00 Food freedom and fewer diabetes decisions 28:00 Hormones, cycles, and insulin resistance 35:00 FDA updates and hope for faster progress 39:00 The Islet Act explained 45:00 What treatment looks like 3 months post-transplant 49:00 Faith, diagnosis, and purpose 54:00 Encouragement for women living with Type 1 today   Connect with Katie Beth Hand Follow Katie Beth and her journey: Instagram: @calamitykatiebeth TikTok: @calamitykatiebeth Facebook: Katie Beth Hand To advocate for the ISLET Act (2026), which classifies donor islets as organs to increase transplantation access for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), act by contacting your US representatives, signing petitions on platforms like Change.org   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. *Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support.     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 hr
  8. Ep 154 - What Low HRV Is Telling You About Stress, Hormones, and Blood Sugar

    Apr 20

    Ep 154 - What Low HRV Is Telling You About Stress, Hormones, and Blood Sugar

    Have you ever looked at your HRV score and thought… what does this even mean? If you wear an Oura Ring, Apple Watch, sleep tracker, or use any device that gives you heart rate variability data, this episode is for you. In today's solo episode, I'm breaking down HRV (heart rate variability) in plain English — especially for women navigating midlife hormones and type 1 diabetes. Because if your blood sugar has been feeling more stubborn lately… if your fasting numbers are creeping up… if your sleep is off… or if you feel tired, wired, and more on edge than usual… Low HRV may be one clue your body is carrying more stress than you realize. And I'm not just talking about emotional stress. I'm talking about the kind of physiological stress that can come from: shifting estrogen and progesterone poor sleep blood sugar swings insulin resistance the mental load of living with diabetes In this episode, I will explain: what HRV actually is (without the confusing tech language) why it often drops in perimenopause and menopause How low HRV can impact cortisol, insulin sensitivity, and fasting glucose what it can feel like in real life and 5 simple ways to support your nervous system and improve recovery This is such an important conversation because so many women are trying to "fix" blood sugar without realizing their stress physiology and hormone shifts are part of the picture too. Your body is not broken. It may just be asking for more support. In This Episode, We Cover: What HRV means and why higher is usually better The difference between heart rate and heart rate variability Why low HRV can signal your body is stuck in stress mode How cortisol affects insulin resistance Why HRV often drops after 40 The 3 layered stressors midlife women with T1D are often carrying: hormonal fluctuations blood sugar variability chronic nervous system strain Real-life signs your body may be under too much pressure My own experience noticing subtle stress patterns and how they affected my overnight blood sugar 5 simple ways to naturally support HRV If This Episode Helped: Please share it with another woman living with type 1 diabetes who may be feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or frustrated with stubborn blood sugar. And if you haven't yet, make sure you follow the show, so you don't miss future episodes on hormones, blood sugar, sleep, stress, and aging well with type 1 diabetes.   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. *Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support.     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.

    27 min
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About

The Type 1 in Midlife Podcast is for women navigating hormones and blood sugar through perimenopause, menopause, and aging with type 1 diabetes. Hosted by Melissa Slemp, certified nutritional and hormone health coach, author of Highs, Lows & Hormones, and living with type 1 diabetes for more than 44 years. This show brings honest conversations, practical strategies, and real-life support to women who are tired of feeling dismissed, confused, or alone in their health journey. Inside each episode, you'll learn how hormones impact insulin resistance, sleep, weight gain, stress, energy, metabolism, and blood sugar management during every stage of life. Melissa also brings trusted conversations around the benefits and considerations of hormone therapy, helping women better understand current research, treatment options, symptom relief, and how hormone support may improve quality of life during midlife and menopause. Through lived experience, coaching insight, expert interviews, and faith-filled encouragement, Melissa helps women better understand their bodies, confidently advocate for the care and support they deserve, and feel empowered to make informed health decisions. If you're looking for practical help, validation, education, and a community of women who truly get it — you're in the right place. Connect with Melissa, grab free resources, explore coaching through Abundant Health with Melissa, and learn more about the book in the show notes. 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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