Ep 157 - Hormones, Fear of Highs & Finding Support

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

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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.