Ep 129 - Cortisol Isn't the Enemy - How Calming Your Nervous System Can Stabilize Blood Sugar.

If your blood sugars rise the moment stress hits—or you notice your mornings start high for no clear reason—this episode will help you understand why. Dr. Dawn Browning joins me to explore how the nervous system, hormones, and daily stress patterns shape blood sugar balance. Dawn is a research scientist, certified yoga therapist, and Pranayama teacher who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for nearly four decades. She helps women in midlife understand how the nervous system shapes everything from blood sugar to mood to energy—and teaches practical ways to regain steadiness through breath, awareness, and daily rhythm. Dawn often says that Type 1 diabetes has been her greatest teacher, guiding her toward a more mindful, compassionate way of living. We dive into the science behind cortisol, insulin sensitivity, and the power of slowing down—through awareness, breath, and rhythm—to bring steadiness to your day. Whether you live with Type 1 diabetes or experience midlife hormone shifts, you'll walk away with simple, science-backed tools to regulate your energy, mood, and glucose levels—starting with your next breath. In this episode, we cover: The stress–cortisol–glucose connection explained simply How hormonal changes amplify stress responses in midlife What "pranayama" really means and why it's different from breathwork How slow, conscious breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system Practical rituals to create steadiness through daily rhythm Why perfection and "control" don't serve us—and what to aim for instead   Connect with Dawn Browning  On IG @holsolwellness https://www.holsolwellness.com/ Access her free 4-minute guided breath practice https://www.holsolwellness.com/abundanthealth   Hit the subscribe button and rate and review to help this podcast reach more people. Be sure to share this episode. What to do now: *Join the book pre-launch list for early access, bonuses, and 2026 launch updates. Grab my free guide, HRT and Type 1 Diabetes  Everything I wish I knew in perimenopause. *Follow me IG @Type1.in.midlife stay in the loop on upcoming episodes. DM me with any feedback or suggestions on topics you'd like us to cover.   Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.