My Story: From Overwhelmed to Empowered
Are you a midlife woman navigating Type 1 diabetes and feeling like menopause just flipped your world upside down?
Whether you're newly diagnosed or a longtime warrior like me, you're in the right place. I’ve walked this road—and I’m here to walk it with you.
Subscribe for a 3-step guide to thriving with diabetes, filled with practical tips and insights.
Part One: Diabetes, Diagnosis, and the Wake-Up Call
I've lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 43 years. But it wasn’t until a terrifying health scare in my 20s that I truly took control.
I woke up seeing floaters—a gentle word for the reality: my blood vessels were leaking. I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and told if I didn’t make serious changes, I could go blind.
That moment changed everything.
With support from my doctor, friends, and my husband (who also has T1D), I began taking my blood sugar seriously—but I went too far. In chasing perfection, I faced frequent lows and emergency calls.
Eventually, I realized: I didn’t need perfect numbers. I needed a sustainable approach.
Thanks to laser eye surgery, a faith-fueled mindset shift, and a balanced routine, I’ve kept my eyes—and my health—in check for 30+ years.
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Part Two: Menopause Hit—and Everything Shifted
Then came perimenopause. And wow—nothing prepared me for the chaos.
Suddenly, the blood sugar patterns I understood no longer made sense. I struggled with sleep, energy, weight, and wild hormone swings.
My doctors didn’t connect the dots. But I knew something was off—and I wasn’t willing to settle for “this is just how it is.”
So I got curious. I leaned into my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I studied hormone health. I built muscle. I experimented with bioidentical hormone therapy. And I found relief.
Not perfection—but progress. Balance. Freedom.
That’s when I knew I had to help other women do the same.
Now I Coach Women Like You
I left a 20-year corporate career to coach full-time. Now, as a certified health coach and personal trainer, I’ve spent the last 8 years helping women with T1D:
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Understand the hormone-blood sugar connection
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Manage menopause with confidence (yes, including hormone replacement therapy!)
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Improve A1C without burning out
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Break free from carb confusion and food fear
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Prioritize themselves—for once
I coach with empathy, strategy, and a no-shame approach. And I share real talk on my podcast, where I tackle everything from hormone replacement to dessert guilt.
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Here’s What I Know to Be True
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You can age well with T1D.
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You can eat carbs and still manage your blood sugar.
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You deserve support that goes beyond standard care.
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Hormone therapy isn't taboo—it's a tool.
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You’re not meant to do this alone.
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A Few Things I Love
I live in coastal Florida with my husband David (also living with T1D), our daughter Sarah lives close by, and our energetic pup, Kona. I love beach walks, wine at sunset, and yes—dark chocolate desserts. (Freedom with food is part of the plan!)
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Let’s Change the Story for Women with Type 1
It’s time to stop suffering in silence and start writing a new chapter—one where you feel strong, supported, and seen.
Whether it’s through private or group coaching or tuning into the podcast, I’d be honored to walk with you.
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Ready to feel like yourself again? Let’s talk.
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Emma P.
“She is truly dedicated to making sure that everyone is living their best, healthiest life! It has been an amazing journey and l have learned so much from her”!
Mary R.
"I'm now more aware of foods that are harmful to me and now aware of the carbohydrates that are tolerable and those that may be harmful. Also, my glucose readings have gone down! Melissa is informed, empathetic, sincere and dedicated to helping her clients succeed and I recommend her to anyone else who needs help in coping with this disease".
Gail B.
"Thank you Melissa, for all that you have done for me! I started my diabetes journey almost two years ago. Getting diagnosed was a shock. The first year – before I found you was like boot camp as I struggled to learn as much as I could, manage my blood glucose and continue to keep my law practice afloat.
I feel so fortunate that I found you one day while searching the internet. Over several months, I learned many important concepts and techniques from you. The information that is passed between diabetics in real life can be so informative and useful. I have an amazing medical team – but no one on my team actually has diabetes. The practical advice that you and sometimes others in your group setting provide can be so helpful. More importantly, from my perspective, was the support that I felt emotionally from the group meetings and knowing that I had you to bounce issues and management ideas off of – especially during times of high stress. You have always been very available and I appreciate that!
You are doing important work, Melissa. This is not an easy path, but armed with knowledge, support, and faith, the journey can be easier. This disease gave me a different understanding of my time and how I value it. I have always espoused that time is our most valuable asset, but I think I verbalized this more than I practiced it. And now, I more fully live this way."
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Carolyn S.
"I truly was empowered with specific and measurable ways to begin changing my health forever. And now I have a friend and coach who can direct me and hold me accountable"
