Ep 153 - What Labs to Ask for When You're Told "Everything Is Normal"

Have you ever left a doctor's appointment feeling frustrated because your labs were called "normal" … even though you know something still feels off?

In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly Schmidt, a registered dietitian, strength coach, and woman living with Type 1 diabetes, for an honest conversation about what to do when your symptoms are being overlooked.

Kelly specializes in helping women with T1D manage blood sugar beyond just carbs and insulin. She blends real-life experience with functional nutrition, muscle-building strategy, and hormone education to help women feel stronger, steadier, and more in control—especially after 35.

Together, we talk about why "normal" lab work doesn't always mean optimal, what labs may be missing from your routine care, and how to advocate for yourself when your body is clearly telling you something has changed.

If you've been dealing with:

• stubborn blood sugars
• rising insulin needs
• fatigue
• poor sleep
• weight gain
• thyroid symptoms
• hormone shifts
• or just the feeling that something is "off"

…this episode will help you ask better questions and take your next step with more clarity.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why women with Type 1 are often told "everything looks fine"
• The difference between standard lab ranges and optimal health markers
• Why symptoms matter just as much as lab values
• Labs Kelly often recommends women ask about
• The importance of tracking symptoms before your appointment
• How insulin needs, thyroid symptoms, inflammation, and hormone shifts can overlap
• Why you need both blood sugar data and insulin data
• What to do if your doctor dismisses your concerns
• How to advocate for care that actually fits this stage of life

Mentioned in this episode:

• Full thyroid panel
• Vitamin D3
• Iron + ferritin
• CBC
• Cholesterol panel
• hs-CRP
• B12
• Folate
• Magnesium
• ApoB + Lp(a)

A previous EP 99 we referenced: Statins or Not? Understanding Your Cholesterol with Kelly Schmidt, RDN

Loved this episode?

If this conversation helped you feel seen, send it to a friend and share it on Instagram.
And if you haven't yet, make sure you're on the list for my upcoming book, Highs, Lows & Hormones—because these are exactly the conversations women with Type 1 diabetes have needed for far too long.

Connect with Kelly Schmidt:

Website

IG @diabeticdietitian

YouTube

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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.