Ep 58 - Insulin and Weight Gain: Navigating Perimenopause thru Post-menopause with T1D
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
Release Date: 06/17/2024
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
Jennifer Smith is a Registered (and Licensed) Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on all the diabetes tech systems, Jennifer specializes in the management of pregnancy with diabetes, women's health and specialized diet and exercise. Jennifer has had type 1 diabetes for 36 years and is the Director of Lifestyle, Nutrition and Women's health at Integrated Diabetes Services. She is the co-author of "Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes", is a speaker for many national diabetes conferences, and a regular guest on the Think Like a Pancreas and Juicebox...
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info_outlineIn this episode, I dive into the complex relationship between insulin, weight gain, and the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause, particularly for those managing type 1 diabetes.
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I share insightful tips and a client’s personal experience.
The six main hormones that play a crucial role in managing our body weight:
- Insulin: Regulates blood sugar levels and can store excess calories as fat.
- Cortisol: Handles stress and can lead to fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.
- Estrogen: Supports reproductive health and bone density. Low levels may cause weight gain and insulin resistance.
- Progesterone: Manages menstrual cycles and pregnancy. Low levels can affect weight management and sleep.
- Testosterone: Essential for muscle strength, bone health, and libido. Reduced levels may result in muscle loss and increased fat retention.
- Thyroid Hormones: Control energy metabolism. Decreased levels can contribute to weight gain and fatigue.
As a health coach and type 1 diabetic myself, I stress the importance of self-awareness and understanding your body's responses. Starting with baseline tests is crucial for measuring your hormone levels. In my late 40s, perimenopause brought chaos – my energy, focus, and blood sugar levels became unpredictable. It was frustrating to see my usual routine fail. I discovered that dropping estrogen and rising insulin resistance caused weight gain.
I will talk about how to focus on healthy habits like drinking enough water, sleeping well, exercising regularly, eating balanced meals, managing stress, and relying on faith. When these habits become routine and lasting, reaching blood sugar targets, boosting insulin sensitivity, and keeping a healthy weight become simpler.
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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.