Ep 109 - My Daily Diabetes Routine: Hormones, Supplements and Staying Steady
Release Date: 06/09/2025
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)...
info_outlineType 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...
info_outlineType 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....
info_outlineType 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...
info_outlineType 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...
info_outlineType 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...
info_outlineType 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...
info_outlineType 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...
info_outlineType 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...
info_outlineType 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_outlineIn 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 as she ages—and why you should feel empowered to adapt too
Plus, Melissa invites listeners inside her Type 1 In Midlife coaching group with a 14-day free trial and access to powerful resources, expert guests, and sisterhood support.
🔗 Join the Group: https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/joingroupcoaching2025
🛒 Explore Melissa’s Favorite Supplements: https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/favoritesupplements
📩 Connect: AbundantHealthWithMelissa.com/contact
📸 DM a takeaway: @type1inmidlife
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:
Want support that’s tailored to your journey? Contact us about our coaching programs
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.
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.