26. Perimenopause, Insulin Resistance & Diabetes Explained

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and we’re digging into why midlife women are uniquely vulnerable to blood sugar swings—and how to take back control. We cover how declining estrogen and progesterone increase insulin resistance in perimenopause/menopause, the link between type 2 diabetes and brain health (why Alzheimer’s is sometimes called “type 3 diabetes”), early warning signs to watch for, and the simple daily habits that stabilize glucose without cutting all carbs. You’ll learn the “protein + fiber + healthy fats” plate, smart swaps (oatmeal and potatoes done right), the best movement for glucose control, and how sleep, stress, and even kindness influence your numbers. We wrap with a doable weekly challenge to help you glow—without the blood sugar rollercoaster.Chapters / Timestamps00:00 Welcome + why Diabetes Awareness Month matters for midlife women01:00 Perimenopause hormones → rising insulin resistance (estrogen/progesterone)02:15 Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes—quick refresher03:10 The blood sugar rollercoaster: cravings, crashes, brain fog, “hangry”05:05 Kids as a mirror: sugar highs → meltdowns (what it teaches us)06:25 “Type 3 diabetes”? Insulin resistance & the brain + Alzheimer’s risk07:45 Spot the signs: skin tags, acanthosis nigricans, hair changes, waist size, BP10:00 Reactive hypoglycemia explained (and why you feel “off” a few hours post-meal)11:00 How to eat in midlife: protein + fiber + healthy fats (no, you don’t have to cut all carbs)12:15 High-glycemic culprits & smarter strategies (order of eating; oatmeal/potato tips)15:45 Movement that helps: walks after meals, strength training, plus a weekly mix16:55 Sleep & stress: how one rough night (or chronic cortisol) spikes glucose18:15 Can you reverse prediabetes? Lifestyle wins & hope-forward science19:30 Your midlife glucose playbook (food, fiber goals, movement, sleep, stress)21:50 Track what matters: journaling vs. CGM + Nicole’s CGM Blueprint22:30 World Kindness Day: why kindness lowers stress (and supports metabolism)23:30 Weekly challenge & wrap: one small step to stabilize blood sugar📌 Resources:🍫 Healthy Sugar-Free Desserts Guide → subscribepage.io/healthy-desserts-guide📘 CGM Blueprint: A Guide to Using Glucose Data to Supercharge Your Metabolism → https://www.amazon.com/cgm-blueprint-glucose-supercharge-metabolism-ebook/dp/B0DHHG2VCR/🌞 Daily Glow Rituals Guide (quick hormone-supportive habits) → https://shop.dailyglowlife.com/b/ritualsguideSupport the show👆Thank you so much! 💗Shop our podcast outfits 👉 hereLooking for high quality supplements? We have an online dispensary with high quality options (that we use ourselves!). Check it out 👉here!Find us on:Website: dailyglowlife.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MidlifeandglowingPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thedailyglowlife/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midlifeandglowingDisclaimer: The content shared on Midlife and Glowing is for informational and educational purposes only. While we share tips, tools, and personal experiences around wellness, beauty, and midlife transitions, this podcast is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness routine—especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.We may occasionally mention products or services we love and use ourselves. Some of these may include affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you...