Ep 159 - Why Your Blood Sugars Go Wild Before Your Period — And What to Do About It

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:

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Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones

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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.