Ep 96 - How Diabetes Shapes Relationships—and vice versa with Kaycee Parker
Release Date: 03/10/2025
Ep 123 - When Retinopathy Sparks Fear: 3 Signs Perfectionism Is Taking Over
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 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! I share the heavy toll it took on my health, family, and peace of mind, and the three red flags that perfectionism may be...
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Ep 122 - Imagine Losing the Insulin That Works for You: The Battle to Save Levemir
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
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: ...
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Ep 121 - GLP-1s, Pump Choices & Real-Life Nutrition: A Conversation with Lindsay Cohen, RDN, CDCES
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 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...
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Ep 120 - How Acupuncture + Herbs Can Calm Hormones and Blood Sugar Chaos with Dr. Beck Hoehn
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, 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...
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Ep 119 - Menopause + Diabetes = Brain Fog on Steroids
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 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...
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Ep 118 - When Nothing Makes Sense: Learning to Influence (Not Control) 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
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...
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Ep 117 - Uniting the T1D Community: Inside Touched by Type 1 with founder Elizabeth Forrest
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 inspiring episode, Melissa sits down with Elizabeth Forrest, founder and president of Touched by Type 1—a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and building life-changing programs for people with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed at age 10, Elizabeth turned her personal journey into a community-wide movement, beginning with a simple dance show in her driveway. Now, Dancing for Diabetes draws thousands of supporters each year and has become a global event. Together, Melissa and Elizabeth explore: Her diagnosis story and how her mom’s persistence saved her life ...
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Ep 116 - CGM Chaos? What’s Working, What’s Not, and Why Your Glucometer Still Matters
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 of Type 1 in Midlife, Melissa dives into the highs and lows—literally—of life with a CGM. With 43 years of Type 1 wisdom and nearly a decade of CGM wear, she shares her honest thoughts on the latest devices, what’s improved, what’s still frustrating, and how to keep your sanity when your sensor decides to ghost you. What you'll hear: Dexcom G7 vs. G6: what’s changed and why Melissa’s cautiously optimistic Sensor errors, calibration tips, and the “wait 3 hours” message we all dread Pros and cons of other CGMs like Libre 3, Medtronic Guardian, and Eversense Why...
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Ep 115 - Weight Loss & T1D, Part 2: Exploring GLP-1s, Thyroid Health & Muscle
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 follow-up to Episode 112, I’m joined again by regular contributor Kelly Schmidt—a functional dietitian, fitness instructor, and mom of two who lives with type 1 diabetes. Kelly brings over 12 years of experience helping people with T1D thrive through personalized nutrition and practical strategies that truly work. In today’s episode, we go deeper into the weight loss conversation, focusing on three often-overlooked areas: GLP-1s, thyroid health, and muscle. We explore how each plays a powerful role in metabolism, hormone balance, and insulin sensitivity—especially for women...
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Ep 114 - Why You Need a Hormone Specialist—Not Just an Endo | Dr. Sarah Daccarett Explains
Type 1 In Midlife: Support for Women with Type 1 Diabetes Facing Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Changes, Insulin Resistance, Weight Gain, and Blood Sugar Struggles
What if your fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and poor sleep weren’t “just part of aging”—but signals your hormones are out of balance? Download A Free 5-Step Guide: HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) & Type 1 Diabetes . In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Daccarett—renowned hormone expert and founder of Inner Balance—to unpack the truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and why so many women are misinformed or overlooked when it comes to their hormonal health. We talk about estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA—and how a personalized,...
info_outlineToday I talked with a frequent guest of the show Kaycee Parker to explore the intricate relationship between diabetes and personal connections. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12, Kaycee has lived with the condition for over 30 years. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, she shares her journey of managing diabetes through the lens of faith.
We discuss the profound impact diabetes has on family dynamics, parenting, and spousal support. They delve into the emotional toll it takes on both the individual and their loved ones, emphasizing the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and fostering understanding.
Our conversation also highlights the evolving nature of relationships as children grow up with a parent who has diabetes and how friendships and community support play a crucial role in managing the condition.
Whether you or a loved one live with diabetes, this episode offers valuable insights on navigating relationships with grace, resilience, and faith.
Key Takeaways:
- Diabetes impacts both the individual and their relationships.
- Open communication is essential for managing diabetes with family and friends.
- Children's understanding of diabetes evolves as they grow.
- Spousal support plays a key role in diabetes management.
- Parent-child and sibling dynamics are affected by diabetes.
- Normalizing diabetes helps children accept it.
- Boundaries are important in relationships affected by chronic illness.
- Past experiences shape current diabetes management and relationships.
- Balancing diabetes care with everyday life is crucial.
- Support from mentors, friends, and community fosters resilience.
- Education helps dispel misconceptions about diabetes.
- Simple explanations help friends understand diabetes better.
- Faith provides strength in managing chronic illness.
- Sharing experiences reduces feelings of isolation.
- Open discussions strengthen relationships.
- Seeking help and resources is a sign of strength.
Whether you or someone you love is living with diabetes, this episode offers practical insights on balancing diabetes management while nurturing strong, supportive relationships. Tune in for an inspiring and honest conversation!
Visit her website http://devotionsondiabetes.com/
Two articles on this topic:
How Diabetes Affects Relationships
Two Diabetes Friends You Need in Your Life
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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.