Ep 152 - Why Muscle Matters More After 40 (Especially with Type 1 Diabetes)

Muscle Is Medicine

Why Strength Training Improves Blood Sugar with Type 1 Diabetes

Have you ever noticed that what worked for your body in your 30s doesn't seem to work the same way anymore?

Many women with type 1 diabetes begin to notice shifts in their 40s and 50s:

• Blood sugars become harder to manage
• Energy drops
• Body composition changes
• Workouts that once worked no longer deliver the same results

One of the biggest reasons is something many women overlook: muscle.

In this episode, I share why building and maintaining muscle is one of the most powerful tools we have for blood sugar stability, metabolism, and aging well with type 1 diabetes.

Muscle acts like a glucose reservoir, helping improve insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar patterns over time. And the good news? It's never too late to start building strength.

I also share some of my own experience in the gym and how shifting my focus from cardio to strength training has supported my metabolism, recovery, and glucose management.

In This Episode You'll Learn

• Why muscle is one of the biggest drivers of insulin sensitivity
• How strength training supports blood sugar stability
• Why metabolism shifts after age 40
• The role hormones play in muscle loss
• Why cardio alone isn't enough in midlife
• Simple ways to begin protecting muscle today

Simple Muscle-Supporting Habits

✔ Strength train 2–3 times per week
✔ Focus on progressive strength over time
✔ Prioritize adequate protein intake
✔ Allow active recovery days
✔ Keep daily movement like walking in your routine

Small, consistent steps build strength over time.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a woman who's navigating this season—you never know who needs to hear it.

Sneak Peek of My Upcoming Book

In my upcoming book Highs, Lows & Hormones, I dedicate an entire section to:

• Muscle and metabolism
• Hormone shifts in midlife
• Insulin sensitivity patterns
• Strength and movement strategies for women with diabetes

This is one of the most important topics for women navigating type 1 diabetes through perimenopause and menopause.

Join the Advance Review Team

Want early access to the book before it launches?

Members of the Advance Review Team receive:

• A free digital advance copy
• Early access to resources from the book
• A discounted pre-release print copy

In exchange, you leave an honest review on launch week.

Click here to join the advanced reader team: https://abundant-health-with-melissa.kit.com/advancedreaderteam

👉 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

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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.