Ep 81 - Navigating Diabetes, Hormones, and Aging with Jennifer Smith
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
Release Date: 11/25/2024
Ep 91 - Our Story of Brain Fog and Menopause: Insights and Solutions with Kim Hynes
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
In this supportive and eye-opening episode, I’m joined by my friend and fellow health coach, Kim Hynes, as we explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of brain fog. For women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and life with diabetes, brain fog can feel overwhelming—impacting focus, memory, and even day-to-day decision-making. Together, Kim and I share personal experiences, including how diabetes adds a unique layer to cognitive challenges. From managing blood sugar highs and lows to the frustrations of mental exhaustion, we discuss the intersection of hormones, cognitive...
info_outline
Ep 90 - My Journey from MDI to OmniPod 5 + Fiasp Insulin Insights
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
Today, I’m sharing my journey from multiple daily injections (MDI) to the OmniPod 5 pump. I’ll cover the questions, challenges, and benefits of the switch, including how Fiasp insulin can improve blood sugar control with Omnipod’s unique algorithm. The importance of community support and coaching for better diabetes care. Online Coaching Circle for Women 40+ with Diabetes Join our community membership now! Episode includes: 3:05 – My Curiosity and Initial Concerns Exploring the motivation to switch after coaching many women on pump therapy. Addressing initial...
info_outline
Ep 89 - Unpacking the Connection Between Migraines and Diabetes with Diane Ducarme
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
In this compelling conversation, Diane Ducarme—a Harvard MBA and expert in migraine investigation—shares her unique approach to understanding the intersection of migraines and diabetes. Fluent in seven languages and trained in both Eastern Medicine and Western science, Diane combines these disciplines with advanced technology to uncover the root causes of migraines. As the host of the Migraine Heroes podcast and leader of Nectar Health, Diane focuses on practical solutions, emphasizing the power of functional foods and her philosophy of "adding" rather than eliminating to promote...
info_outline
Ep 88 - Bolus and Biceps: Amanda Mueller’s Data-Driven Journey with T1D, Fitness, and Life
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
In this episode, we meet Amanda Mueller, a Texas-based accountant, fitness enthusiast, and diabetes advocate, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 17 years. Amanda shares her diagnosis story, the pivotal role of data in managing T1D, and how she integrates fitness, nutrition, and community into her thriving lifestyle. From mastering Dexcom trends to navigating perimenopause with strength training, Amanda offers practical insights and encouragement for living a full life with diabetes. Amanda will be a featured speaker in our Abundant Health Group Coaching Circle, launching...
info_outline
Ep 87 - Balancing Perimenopause, A New Insulin Pump, and Diabetes: Insights from Stacey M.
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
In this episode, we welcome Stacey M., diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) at age six in 1978. With 43 years on Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) before transitioning to the OmniPod 5 insulin pump, Stacey shares her journey managing diabetes, facing perimenopause, and advocating for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Growing up in Australia, Stacey shares how she’s navigating diabetes across decades and hormonal shifts. Online Coaching Circle for Women 40+ with Diabetes Starts Jan 20th 2025 - Topics Covered: · Stacey’s Early T1D Journey ...
info_outline
Ep 86 - Adrenal Health and Chronic Illness: Dr. Tricia Pingel on Managing Stress and Cortisol as We Age
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
Online Coaching Circle for Women 40+ with Diabetes Starts Jan 20th 2025 - In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Tricia Pingel, a leading naturopathic physician and “Adrenal Whisperer,” known for her expertise in stress and cortisol management. Dr. Pingel helps women move from feeling “wired and tired” to finding calm and balance through her holistic approach, which includes lifestyle adjustments, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and nutrition. With a unique background that spans modeling, initial path to veterinary medicine, and naturopathy, Dr. Pingel brings a wealth of knowledge to...
info_outline
Ep 85 - Introducing The Group Circle Approach: My 5-Pillar Framework for Diabetes and Menopause in 2025
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
Introducing the Abundant Health Group Coaching Circle, now open for a free trial for women over 40. With my 1:1 coaching at capacity, I wanted to create an affordable and flexible way for women to get the support they need. Get Early Access Now! Online Coaching Circle for Women 40+ with Diabetes Starts Jan 20th, 2025 - Managing diabetes through perimenopause and menopause is no small task—hormonal shifts, stress, and life’s demands can feel overwhelming. Key challenges include: Blood sugar changes from hormonal shifts Increased stress and cortisol levels The need for consistency...
info_outline
Ep 84 - MDI No More: My Switch to an Insulin Pump, I Hand Over the Mic to Kaycee Parker
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
Today, we welcome back Kaycee Parker, and I hand the mic over to Kaycee as she leads a heartfelt conversation about my recent transition to an insulin pump after 42 years of managing diabetes with multiple daily injections (MDI). Here’s what we cover: My early diabetes journey with insulin vials and syringes. The impact of community and family in shaping my treatment choices. Why now and how did I choose the tubeless pump over other options Insights from my 30-day trial with the OmniPod 5 and the lessons learned. The highs and lows of switching to a pump system. Practical...
info_outline
Ep 83 - Why We Can’t Hack Our Way to Better Health with Type 1: Developing an Intuitive Approach with Andrea Nakayama
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
In this episode, I’m joined by Andrea Nakayama, a trailblazing Functional Medicine Nutritionist and educator. After losing her young husband to a brain tumor in 2002, Andrea’s journey into functional nutrition began, driving her mission to reclaim health in the face of chronic illness. As the founder of the Functional Nutrition Alliance and host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast, Andrea shares her innovative approach, using systems biology and root cause methodology to address health challenges. We dive into the differences between functional and conventional nutrition, and why...
info_outline
Ep 82 - The Overlooked Connection: Diabetes & Menopause with Type 1 Warrior Azure Wolfe
Type 1 In Midlife: Navigating Diabetes, Blood Sugar, and Hormones in Menopause
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Azure Wolfe, a Type 1 diabetes warrior of 45 years, yoga teacher, and retreat leader based in Utah. Known as "The Empowered Diabetic," Azure shares her journey from diagnosis to creating diabetic women's circles and guiding others to become their own heroes and healers. Together, we explore her empowered mindset approach, her passion for fitness and yoga, and the transformative role of self-leadership in diabetes and menopause management. Join our Abundant Health Group Coaching Circle, launching January 20, 2025! Get expert support, connect with...
info_outlineJennifer 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 podcasts. In depth experience as a dietitian, diabetes educator, athlete, mother, and woman with diabetes, has provided Jennifer with first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day variables that affect diabetes management, allowing her to assist others in learning personalized management to live their best life.
Take a Free Assessment and Escape the Weight Gain Trainwreck with T1D
In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Smith, a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, and tech expert who's lived with type 1 diabetes for 36 years. We explore how hormonal changes, from menstrual cycles to menopause, affect diabetes management.
Jennifer shares her journey, insights into managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and tech, plus her experience with intermittent fasting and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Tune in for practical tips on navigating diabetes through life’s stages and find out how to stay empowered as you age.
In this episode you will learn:
Family's Role in Diabetes Management
- Jennifer talks about how her family helped, including her mom's meal prep and dad's focus on activity.
- This early support helped Jennifer transition to managing diabetes on her own.
Aging and Hormonal Changes (3:00)
- Discussion about how medical education lacks focus on hormones' role in diabetes.
- Jennifer highlights the importance of good habits and managing structure in daily life as one ages.
Hormonal Cycles and Blood Sugar (8:19)
- Jennifer explains how hormonal cycles affect blood sugar and insulin needs.
- She stresses the importance of tracking signals and using CGMs to manage diabetes effectively.
Perimenopause and Menopause (11:56)
- Jennifer explains how perimenopause impacts blood sugar and the variability of symptoms.
- They discuss the importance of body awareness and making adjustments during this life stage.
Diet and Lifestyle for Aging (21:45)
- Sleep is critical for diabetes management, along with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
- Jennifer encourages acceptance of aging changes and working with healthcare professionals.
Intermittent Fasting (31:11)
- Jennifer shares her experience with intermittent fasting and its benefits for diabetes.
- She advises working with professionals to navigate intermittent fasting safely.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (41:02)
- Discussion on the benefits of HRT for women with diabetes, such as easing symptoms like brain fog.
- Regular monitoring and working with knowledgeable healthcare professionals is essential.
Vitamin D in Diabetes (50:15)
- The role of vitamin D in glucose metabolism and Jennifer’s experience with low levels.
- Regular vitamin D monitoring is vital for diabetes management and overall health.
Final Tips for Women with Diabetes (54:28)
- Jennifer’s advice: focus on one thing at a time and be kind to yourself.
- Seek support from healthcare professionals and stay informed through resources like "Think Like a Pancreas, by Gary Scheiner.
Jennifer’s article – “How to navigate changes as a female living with 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:
*Take a Free Assessment and Escape the Weight Gain Trainwreck with T1D
*Join our Type 1 In Midlife community on the free Honey Health App to chat about podcast topics and more
*Follow me @Type1.in.midlife on Instagram to stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.
*Contact us about our coaching programs
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.