Type 1 In Midlife: Women Over 40 with Type 1 Diabetes, Hormones, Perimenopause, Menopause, and Blood Sugar Challenges

What does it really look like to live 50 years with type 1 diabetes? In this episode, I sit down with Ruth Collin, who was diagnosed at just five years old and is now marking five decades of life with type 1. From glass syringes in the 1970s to today's closed-loop technology, Ruth shares how diabetes care—and her mindset—has evolved. We talk about: How technology has transformed diabetes management The emotional side of living with type 1 long-term Hormones, stress, and midlife changes What "good enough" really means with blood sugar Why community and shared stories matter more than ever Ruth also shares why she started her podcast, The Long View – Living with Type 1 Diabetes, and how hearing others' stories has shaped her perspective on resilience, identity, and hope. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or like you're doing everything "right" but your numbers say otherwise—this conversation will remind you: you're not alone, and there's wisdom in taking the long view. Connect with Ruth Collin Podcast: The Long View - Living with Type 1 Diabetes Website: The Long View Connect with Melissa Slemp: Follow on: Instagram Tik Tok YouTube Linkedin Check out Melissa's website Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones Connect with other like-minded women in a supportive group coaching community: Type 1 In Midlife Coaching Circle Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support. Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

What happens when perimenopause collides with type 1 diabetes? For many women, the answer is confusion, frustration, and feeling like they're suddenly managing a completely different body. In this episode, Melissa sits down with Sascha Vrolijk, founder of Project M(e) and host of the Perimenopause Unfiltered podcast. Sascha shares her personal journey of experiencing brain fog, anxiety, exhaustion, and unpredictable blood sugars that ultimately led her to leave a demanding career before discovering that perimenopause was at the root of many of her symptoms. Together, they discuss: • The symptoms that made Sascha realize something wasn't right • Why so many women are unprepared for perimenopause • How hormonal changes can impact blood sugar management with type 1 diabetes • The emotional toll of feeling unlike yourself • Why self-advocacy matters in healthcare • How to prepare for productive conversations with your doctor • Common hormone therapy concerns and misconceptions • The importance of finding a provider who listens and collaborates • Why sharing our stories helps other women feel less alone Whether you're beginning to notice changes in your cycle, struggling with unexplained blood sugar swings, or simply wondering if hormones could be playing a role in how you feel, this conversation offers validation, practical insights, and encouragement. Remember: You're not imagining it. Hormones matter and understanding what's happening in your body is the first step toward feeling more confident and in control. Connect with Sascha Vrolijk Website https://www.myproject-me.com/ Podcast Perimenopause Unfiltered Connect with Melissa Slemp: Follow on: Instagram Tik Tok YouTube Linkedin Check out Melissa's website Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones Connect with other like-minded women in a supportive group coaching community: Type 1 In Midlife Coaching Circle Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support. Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

For years, I thought I was failing at diabetes every single month. Same meals. Same insulin. Same workouts. Yet suddenly my blood sugars were higher, corrections stopped working, cravings intensified, and I felt exhausted trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. Then I learned the truth: Hormones change insulin sensitivity. In this episode of the Type 1 in Midlife Podcast, we're talking about why blood sugars often become more difficult to manage during the luteal phase — the 7–14 days before your period begins — and how progesterone can increase insulin resistance, impact fasting glucose, cravings, sleep, and stress response. Inside this conversation: • Why insulin suddenly feels "weaker" before your cycle • Common blood sugar patterns women experience before a period • Higher fasting numbers and stubborn post-meal highs • Cravings, sleep disruption, and lower HRV • How to track your cycle without becoming obsessive • Why understanding patterns reduces fear and self-blame If you've ever felt like you have "two versions" of diabetes every month, this episode will help you feel seen, validated, and informed. This conversation is also a sneak peek into my upcoming book, Highs, Lows & Hormones, releasing May 27, 2026 — created to help women better understand the connection between hormones, blood sugar, and life transitions from monthly cycles to menopause. Resources + Next Steps My upcoming book, Highs, Lows & Hormones, goes deeper into this—helping you understand how your cycle, hormones, sleep, and insulin all work together so you can stop guessing and start responding with confidence. 👉 Order Your Book: Highs, Lows, & Hormones 👉 Connect with other women inside the Type 1 in Midlife Coaching Circle Connect with Melissa Slemp: Follow on: Instagram Tik Tok YouTube Linkedin Check out Melissa's website Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones Connect with other like-minded women in a supportive group coaching community: Type 1 In Midlife Coaching Circle Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support. Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.

What happens when the routines that once worked for your Type 1 diabetes suddenly stop working? In this episode, Melissa sits down with Alyssa Chapman, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 34 and has now lived with it for nearly 17 years. Together, they talk about what it looks like to manage diabetes through midlife, especially when hormone shifts begin affecting blood sugar, energy, sleep, and overall wellbeing. Alyssa shares her experience of being diagnosed later in life, navigating the emotional side of diabetes, learning to recognize hormone-related blood sugar patterns, and discovering the value of tracking symptoms instead of only chasing numbers. This is also a conversation about something many women need more of: support. Alyssa hosts a monthly meetup through DiabetesSisters and shares why being around other women who truly understand can make such a difference. In This Episode, We Talk About: What it was like being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 34 The classic symptoms Alyssa noticed before diagnosis Why adult diagnosis can sometimes be missed or misunderstood The fear of eating and dosing insulin in the early days How hormones started changing her blood sugar patterns in midlife What she noticed around her cycle and insulin sensitivity Tracking symptoms and discovering patterns with progesterone The emotional weight of fearing high blood sugars Letting go of perfection and micromanagement Using the Omnipod and Dexcom while learning to trust the system more The importance of finding providers who actually listen Why women need community support while navigating Type 1 in midlife Alyssa's role hosting a monthly DiabetesSisters support meetup Want deeper support? If you or someone you love is navigating life with diabetes, visit diabetessisters.org to become a member. It's free to join and free to use, and it's a great place to find community and support. Learn more about my Type 1 in Midlife Coaching Circle, where we meet weekly and focus on one area of health each month to support hormones, blood sugar, and long-term wellbeing. Connect with Alyssa Chapman on IG @midlifet1d 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: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover. *Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support. 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.

Are there natural or non-hormonal options for managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms—especially if you're living with type 1 diabetes? This is one of the most common questions I hear from women, and in this solo episode, I'm breaking it down with honesty and realistic expectations. We'll talk about what non-hormonal options can support, where they fall short, and why the goal isn't perfection—but steadiness. I share my own experience navigating perimenopause, plus what I've seen work (and not work) with the women I coach. In this episode, we cover: When non-hormonal options may make sense Prescription options that don't include estrogen or progesterone Why sleep, stress regulation, strength training, and nutrition matter no matter what Herbs and supplements like magnesium, omega-3s, Vitex, black cohosh, and maca—who they may help and who should be cautious Why "natural" doesn't always mean safe or predictable How your hormonal stage changes what works I also share why I believe lifestyle support is the foundation—whether you eventually choose hormone therapy, non-hormonal options, or a mix of both. As always, this episode is educational and based on lived experience. Take what you learn here back to your healthcare provider and decide what's right for your body. 🎧 Mentioned in this episode: I'm proud to spotlight Diabetes Sisters, a nonprofit offering education, peer support, and community for women living with diabetes. Visit diabetessisters.org to join—it's free and a wonderful resource. 👉 Want deeper support? Learn more about my Type 1 in Midlife Coaching Circle, where we meet weekly and focus on one area of health each month to support hormones, blood sugar, and long-term wellbeing. https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/joingroupcoaching2026 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a woman who's navigating this season—you never know who needs to hear it. 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: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife 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.

What happens when long-term type 1 diabetes collides with midlife change, vision loss, motherhood, and a major life transition? In this deeply honest and encouraging episode, I sit down with Mary Ann Chamberlain, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 36 years. Diagnosed at age seven, Mary Ann shares her journey through diabetic retinopathy, low vision, parenting, perimenopause, and what it really looks like to rebuild your life—without giving up on yourself. Now in her 40s, Mary Ann opens up about: Growing up with type 1 diabetes before tech, CGMs, or online support Navigating low vision while continuing to manage diabetes daily Becoming a mom while learning to ask for help (and receive it) Moving to a brand-new city and rebuilding community with confidence Midlife hormone changes, insulin resistance, and advocating for care Why thriving with T1D doesn't mean perfect numbers—it means grace This conversation is full of wisdom, humor, and the kind of reassurance only lived experience can offer. If you're navigating change, burnout, complications, or midlife shifts with type 1 diabetes—this episode will remind you that you are not broken, and you are not alone. 🎧 Share this episode with someone who needs hope today. Join the Type 1 in Midlife Circle for weekly support, hormone clarity, gentle accountability, and a place to stop guessing about your midlife health. https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/joingroupcoaching2025 Connect with Mary Ann Chamberlain: IG @owningt1dwithma 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: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife 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.

If your insulin pump suddenly feels harder to manage, morning spikes, overnight drops, or blood sugars that don't follow the rules, you're not failing at diabetes. In this episode, we dive into basal insulin challenges for women using insulin pumps during perimenopause. Hormone shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol can dramatically change insulin sensitivity, even when your pump technology hasn't changed. You'll learn: Why pump settings that worked for years may suddenly feel "off" How perimenopause affects basal insulin needs hour by hour When manual mode can be more helpful than automated mode How to use temporary basals to stay ahead of hormone-driven highs and lows What to know if you're starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) This episode is about understanding your body, using your pump as a tool—not a source of frustration—and gaining confidence to advocate for better care. 🎧 Part 2 of the basal insulin series. If you're on daily injections, listen to Episode 140. Join the Type 1 in Midlife Circle for weekly support, hormone clarity, gentle accountability, and a place to stop guessing about your midlife health. https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/joingroupcoaching2025 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: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife 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.

In this episode, I'm pressing pause and taking a deep breath. As we step into a new year, I'm reflecting on what 2025 revealed—about hormones, insulin needs, burnout, faith, and what women ith diabetes truly need more of. This year was full of honest conversations about perimenopause, menopause, sleep, cortisol, insulin resistance, and learning to trust your body again. I'm also sharing what's ahead for 2026: shorter, clearer episodes… more practical "what do I do now?" guidance… and the book I wish I had decades ago. Inside this episode, we cover: Why blood sugars can suddenly feel unpredictable in midlife How hormones quietly change insulin needs What women told me they need more of (and less of) Why validation must come before education The role faith has played in staying grounded through it all What's changing on the podcast in 2026 A sneak peek at my upcoming book Highs, Lows & Hormones If you've ever thought, "Why did no one tell me this sooner?" — this episode is for you. You're not behind. You're not failing. And you don't need to do more — you need better timing, better information, and support that understands both hormones and diabetes. ✨ Thank you for being part of this community. We're just getting started. Join the Type 1 in Midlife Circle for weekly support, hormone clarity, gentle accountability, and a place to stop guessing about your midlife health. 14-day free trial below. https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/joingroupcoaching2025 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: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife 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.