Ep 93 - Diabetes as Your Superpower: Navigating Emotions with Julia Flaherty
Release Date: 02/17/2025
Ep 112 - Midlife. Type 1. Extra Weight That Won’t Budge? Here’s Kelly Schmidt’s No-BS Strategy
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
In this episode I’m joined again by my dear friend and frequent contributor, Kelly Schmidt—Registered Dietitian, fitness instructor, and the founder of T1D Functional Nutrition. With over 33 years of experience managing her own type 1 diabetes, Kelly brings powerful wisdom and compassion to the conversation. We unpack the real reasons behind stubborn weight gain during perimenopause and beyond—especially for those of us living with diabetes. Together, we talk about: · Why traditional weight loss advice (like intermittent fasting or low-carb diets)...
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Ep 111 - When You’re Battle-Weary: Faith + Diabetes with Kaycee Parker
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12, Kaycee Parker brings over 30 years of lived experience—and a heart rooted in storytelling and faith. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Kaycee and Melissa explore what it really feels like to be battle-weary with type 1 diabetes. They talk about the emotional and mental exhaustion that comes with managing a chronic condition, the guilt that comes with perfectionism, and the often-unspoken anxiety surrounding low blood sugars. Together, they reflect on how prayer, community, and reframing diabetes as a journey—not just a fight—can...
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Ep 110 - Tired of Being Tired? How Women with Diabetes Can Recharge in Midlife
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
In this conversation, Melissa Slemp discusses the common issue of fatigue experienced by women in midlife, particularly those managing diabetes. She shares her personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of sleep, hormonal changes, and self-care. The conversation provides practical steps to boost energy and improve sleep quality, highlighting the significance of community support and understanding one's health needs during this transitional phase of life. In this episode: Feeling tired is a common sign of midlife hormonal changes. Diabetes complicates sleep and energy management....
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Ep 109 - My Daily Diabetes Routine: Hormones, Supplements and Staying Steady
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
In this personal episode, Melissa pulls back the curtain on her real-life daily routine managing type 1 diabetes through midlife and menopause. She shares what’s working (and what she’s still tweaking), including: Her current insulin delivery setup and why she’s using manual mode overnight Hormone replacement therapy: what, when, and how she applies it daily A full breakdown of her supplements—morning to bedtime Her “internal and external” habits that support stability and resilience Why sleep, faith, reading, and lifting weights are non-negotiables How she’s adjusting routines...
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Ep 108 - Menopause, Diabetes, and a Glass of Wine: What Women Need to Know with Kelly Schmidt, RDN
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
In this episode, Melissa welcomes back registered dietitian and longtime type 1 diabetes warrior Kelly Schmidt to unpack real-life stories and expert tips on alcohol, blood sugar, and midlife health. Kelly Schmidt, a registered dietitian, fitness instructor, wife, and mother of two, leads T1D Functional Nutrition, a virtual practice that offers a holistic approach to T1D management—one that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit for total wellness. Drawing from her expertise in dietetics and 33 years of managing type 1 diabetes, she helps ambitious individuals optimize their metabolism and...
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Ep 107 - Perimenopause: The Hormonal Storm We’re Not Talking About
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
In this conversation, I share the challenges of aging with type 1 diabetes, particularly for women. I highlight the often-overlooked connection between hormonal changes, such as perimenopause, and the management of diabetes and our everchanging life. I share my personal experiences and emphasize the importance of recognizing these changes, advocating for oneself in healthcare, and exploring solutions like hormone replacement therapy to improve overall well-being and insulin sensitivity. Download A Free 5-Step Guide: HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) & Type 1 Diabetes: A 5-step...
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Ep 106 - When Diabetes Feels Like Too Much: Understanding Anxiety and Burnout with Allison Nimlos
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Allison Nimlos, a licensed therapist, diabetes educator, and fellow type 1 for over 30 years. Together, they dive into the emotional toll of living with diabetes—what anxiety really looks like, how burnout sneaks in, and why even small changes can create big wins. Allison shares: · What “diabetes anxiety” actually means · Why unpredictability fuels stress and self-doubt · How to cope when your brain constantly whispers, “What...
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Ep 105 - Overcoming the Shadows: Qiana Drew’s Journey with T1D and Insulin Omission
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
In this powerful episode, Melissa sits down with Qiana Drew—a vibrant health coach, performer, and diabetes advocate who brings raw honesty, humor, and heart to her 25-year journey with Type 1 diabetes. Qiana opens up about: · Her early diagnosis just before her 21st birthday, while chasing her dreams in the music industry. · Navigating insulin omission and disordered eating for over a decade—and how she began her healing process. · The turning point that shifted...
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Ep 104 - Does HRT Cause Weight Gain? Let’s Clear the Confusion
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
Today we’re cutting through the confusion around one of the most common questions I hear: “Does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cause weight gain?” Download A Free 5-Step Guide: HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) & Type 1 Diabetes . If you’ve hesitated to try HRT because you’re worried about gaining weight, this episode is for you. I’m sharing what the science says, how hormone loss impacts your metabolism and insulin needs, and how strategic use of HRT can support—not sabotage—your health. You’ll learn: · A real client story...
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Ep 103 - Proactive, Not Reactive Approach to T1D with Claudia Maltby
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
In this empowering episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Claudia Maltby, a UK-trained GP and functional health coach living with type 1 diabetes for nearly 36 years. Claudia shares her powerful diagnosis story—from being misdiagnosed with gestational diabetes to a life-changing hospital admission shortly after giving birth. Together, they dive into the limitations of traditional diabetes care and the game-changing impact of functional medicine. Claudia opens up about her personal experience with peripheral neuropathy, the frustrating lack of support from conventional medicine, and how...
info_outlineJulia Flaherty is a storyteller, diabetes advocate, marketing professional, and author passionate about health innovation and meaningful connections. With expertise in content creation, digital marketing, and strategy, she helps drive impactful change.
As someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes for nearly 21 years, Julia is dedicated to empowering others. She authored the children's book series Rosie Becomes a Warrior to inspire kids with T1D and recently launched the LinkedIn newsletter "Chronically Climbing" to support professionals balancing careers and chronic illness.
In this conversation, Julia shares her personal journey with T1D, the emotional ups and downs since her diagnosis at age 10, and the power of community, self-advocacy, and open conversations. She also tackles workplace stigma, offers practical diabetes management tips, and encourages turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
takeaways
- Julia's journey with Type 1 Diabetes began at age 10.
- Emotional cycles of denial, anger, and acceptance are common.
- Finding community through social media can be transformative.
- Setting boundaries at work is crucial for health management.
- It's important to trust your gut and listen to your needs.
- Diabetes management requires regular eating and hydration.
- Overcoming stigma and shame is essential for self-acceptance.
- Communication about diabetes can foster deeper connections.
- Practical strategies include movement and hydration throughout the day.
- Sharing personal experiences can help others feel less alone.
Connect with Julia:
Julia’s Newsletter “Chronically Climbing" Subscribe on LinkedIn
Online Coaching Circle for Women 40+ with Diabetes Join our community membership now! https://abundant-health-with-melissa.kit.com/groupcoaching2025
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What to do now:
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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.