Ep 153 - What Labs to Ask for When You're Told "Everything Is Normal"

Have you ever left a doctor's appointment feeling frustrated because your labs were called "normal" … even though you know something still feels off? In this episode, I'm joined by Kelly Schmidt, a registered dietitian, strength coach, and woman living with Type 1 diabetes, for an honest conversation about what to do when your symptoms are being overlooked. Kelly specializes in helping women with T1D manage blood sugar beyond just carbs and insulin. She blends real-life experience with functional nutrition, muscle-building strategy, and hormone education to help women feel stronger, steadier, and more in control—especially after 35. Together, we talk about why "normal" lab work doesn't always mean optimal, what labs may be missing from your routine care, and how to advocate for yourself when your body is clearly telling you something has changed. If you've been dealing with: stubborn blood sugars rising insulin needs fatigue poor sleep weight gain thyroid symptoms hormone shifts or just the feeling that something is "off" …this episode will help you ask better questions and take your next step with more clarity. In this episode, we talk about: Why women with Type 1 are often told "everything looks fine" The difference between standard lab ranges and optimal health markers Why symptoms matter just as much as lab values Labs Kelly often recommends women ask about The importance of tracking symptoms before your appointment How insulin needs, thyroid symptoms, inflammation, and hormone shifts can overlap Why you need both blood sugar data and insulin data What to do if your doctor dismisses your concerns How to advocate for care that actually fits this stage of life Mentioned in this episode: Full thyroid panel Vitamin D3 Iron + ferritin CBC Cholesterol panel hs-CRP B12 Folate Magnesium ApoB + Lp(a)   A previous EP 99 we referenced: Statins or Not? Understanding Your Cholesterol with Kelly Schmidt, RDN Loved this episode? If this conversation helped you feel seen, send it to a friend and share it on Instagram. And if you haven't yet, make sure you're on the list for my upcoming book, Highs, Lows & Hormones—because these are exactly the conversations women with Type 1 diabetes have needed for far too long.   Connect with Kelly Schmidt: Website IG @diabeticdietitian YouTube   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. *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 be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.