Ep 175 - The GLP-1 Explosion: What Women With Type 1 Diabetes Need to Know

GLP-1s are exploding, and women living with type 1 diabetes are paying attention.

But beyond the weight-loss headlines and social media success stories, what do women with T1D really need to know?

Returning guest Kelly Schmidt, RD, LDN, joins me for an honest conversation about GLP-1s, insulin sensitivity, weight, food noise, muscle, hormones—and why this decision is about much more than taking another medication.

Kelly is a registered dietitian, strength coach, creator of the GRACE Method, and a woman living with Type 1 diabetes. She helps women manage blood sugar beyond just carbs and insulin by bringing together functional nutrition, muscle-building strategies and hormone education. Kelly is also a contributor to my book, Highs, Lows & Hormones, and has personally used GLP-1 therapy for years.

In this episode, we talk about why women with T1D are turning to GLP-1s, Kelly's personal experience, potential benefits beyond weight loss, preserving muscle, digestion and side effects, sourcing and medical supervision, cost and long-term sustainability.

And we tackle a piece I don't want women overlooking…hormones.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What GLP-1 is and how these medications work
• Why women with type 1 diabetes are increasingly interested
• Kelly's personal experience after years of GLP-1 use
• Insulin sensitivity, food noise, cravings and changing insulin needs
• Potential benefits beyond weight loss
• Muscle preservation, protein and strength training
• Hydration, fiber, digestion and common side effects
• Why medication source and medical supervision matter
• Perimenopause, menopause and the hormone therapy conversation
• How HRT and GLP-1 therapy may coexist
• Insurance coverage, cost and accessibility
• Long-term use and sustainability
• Why lifestyle foundations still matter—even when medication is helping

If you're over 40 and suddenly using more insulin, gaining weight or feeling like your body has changed, could perimenopause or menopause be contributing? Should hormone therapy be part of the conversation before—or alongside—a GLP-1?

This isn't about deciding whether GLP-1s are good or bad. It's about asking better questions.

What problem am I actually trying to solve?

As Kelly puts it: Know thy need. Know thyself. Know thy source.

🎧 Listen in before you decide whether a GLP-1 is the right tool for you.

Connect with Kelly Schmidt:

Website

IG @diabeticdietitian

YouTube

T1D Whole Health Review Session with Kelly Schmidt, RD

Connect with Melissa Slemp:

Follow on:

Instagram

Tik Tok

YouTube

Linkedin

Check out Melissa's website

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

Connect with other like-minded women in a supportive group coaching community:

Highs, Lows, & Hormones 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.