Managing type 1 diabetes can feel overwhelming, and hormone changes can make you feel like you're losing control.
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Perimenopause is here, your hormones are dropping, and you need a coach who understands to help with your A1C and weight goals.
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You need to embrace diabetes as part of your life and find tools for hope and support.
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You need to gain freedom with carbs and enjoy desserts in your eating plan.
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Doctors often overlook how hormones impact blood sugar and aging with Type 1 diabetes. It’s important to explore solutions and consider hormone replacement therapy.
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Despite doing "all the things" you're frustrated with weight gain, blood sugar swings, brain fog and mood changes.
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You've poured yourself into family and career, but now it’s time to focus on you. You need to prioritize yourself!
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About my journey.
My journey has two parts, shaped by a lifetime of learning, relearning, and growing through life's challenges, including living with Type 1 diabetes. I'm here to share this experience with other women.
In the first part of my 40+ year journey, I had a health scare.
"I woke up seeing floaters."
That's a gentle way to describe leaking blood vessels due to poor blood sugar control. In 1992 I was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and the stark warning was clear: if I didn't make changes, I could go blind.
Supported by my doctor, friends, and my husband, who also lives with Type 1, I faced the truth—I needed clear direction on how to manage diabetes.
Determined to avoid high blood sugar, I tightened control, often too much so—resulting in frequent emergency calls.
I prayed for grace and realized my blood sugars didn't need to be perfect. I let go of perfection and found a sustainable routine. Thanks to successful laser eye surgery and sticking to my routine, I’ve enjoyed healthy eyes for over 30 years—Yay!
Balancing blood sugar and life remains a challenge, but faith has changed my perspective.
While I still strive for stable numbers and aim to avoid diabetes complications, God's presence reassures me through my diabetes guiding me as a wife, mother, and businesswoman navigating challenges like diabetic retinopathy, menopause, empty nest, and more.
The next part of my journey involved approaching perimenopause, I faced new challenges—fluctuating blood sugar, poor sleep, weight gain, and feeling complete overwhelm. Initially, I didn't understand how declining hormone levels increased insulin resistance and worsened diabetes management. Seeking answers where traditional medicine fell short, I delved into my own resources from my training at IIN and studies in hormone health.
I developed a plan focused on nutrition, daily routines, and building very important muscle. Overcoming stigma and fear, I embraced bioidentical hormone therapy—a decision that was life changing. Now, I educate others about bioidentical hormones' benefits through my podcast and coaching, helping women manage Type 1 diabetes through postmenopause.
I pursued holistic approaches to diabetes management and coaching, after leaving behind over 20 years of corporate stress. Now certified as a health coach and personal trainer, I've spent the last 8 years helping busy women like you conquer diabetes challenges, manage hormone changes, and regain their sanity!
In my downtime, I love beach walks, sunset with a glass of wine, and indulging in dark chocolate—yes, desserts are still enjoyed! I share these moments with my husband David (also living with T1D), our church family, daughter Sarah, and our lively dog Kona.
Together, we embrace an active lifestyle, challenging the limitations often associated with diabetes.
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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"
