Ep 164 - The Diabetes Burnout Nobody Talks About: Stress, Rest & Nervous System Regulation

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything "right" with your diabetes management, but your blood sugars still seem unpredictable?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brooke Shelton, Doctor of Physical Therapy, educator, founder of Dynamic Diabetes, and someone who has personally lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 20 years.

Together, we explore a topic that doesn't get enough attention in the diabetes community: nervous system regulation.

Brooke explains how chronic stress, diabetes management, fluctuating blood sugars, hormonal changes, and even exercise can keep us stuck in a constant state of fight-or-flight. We discuss how this affects insulin resistance, energy levels, sleep quality, recovery, and ultimately how we feel every day.

You'll learn:

• The difference between fight-or-flight, rest-and-digest, and the often-overlooked freeze response
• Why diabetes itself can create ongoing nervous system stress
• How chronic stress contributes to stubborn high blood sugars
• Practical ways to regulate your nervous system throughout the day
• Why sleep may be one of the most important health tools you're overlooking
• How exercise needs change throughout your menstrual cycle and during perimenopause
• The connection between hormones, insulin resistance, and burnout
• Simple "movement snacks" and recovery strategies that can help you feel better without doing more

We also discuss cycle syncing and how adjusting your movement based on where you are in your cycle can support blood sugar management, recovery, and overall well-being.

This is a concept I cover in Chapter 8 of my book, Highs, Lows & Hormones: A Survival Guide for Women Managing Diabetes from Monthly Cycles to Menopause, in the chapter titled Movement That Matches Your Hormones.

If you've ever felt exhausted, overwhelmed, or like your body isn't responding the way it used to, this conversation will remind you that there is nothing wrong with you. Your body is doing exactly what it was designed to do—and learning to work with it instead of against it can be a game changer.

Purchase Highs, Lows & Hormones and connect with Melissa through the links in today's show notes.

Connect with Dr. Brook Shelton:

IG @dynamic.diabetes

Website: Dynamic Diabetes

Connect with Melissa Slemp:

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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.