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Ep 165 - Real Talk: What's New in Life, Diabetes & Midlife
Description
Returning guest Mary Ann Chamberlain is back for an honest conversation about what life with type 1 diabetes looks like after more than 36 years.
If you haven't already, be sure to go back and listen to Episode 143, where Mary Ann shares her diagnosis story, life transitions, and the journey that has shaped who she is today.
In this episode, we're simply catching up as two women living with type 1 diabetes. We talk about everything from new diabetes technology and hormone health to navigating complications, advocacy, burnout, and why community matters more than ever.
Mary Ann opens up about living with diabetic retinopathy and low vision, moving to a new city, beginning a new career, and finding purpose through advocacy. We also discuss the latest diabetes innovations, the excitement surrounding cure research, and how to hold space for the many emotions those headlines can bring.
Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that while diabetes may be part of our story, it doesn't define the whole story.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Mary Ann's new chapter after relocating to Denver
- Living with type 1 diabetes and low vision
- Why hormone health deserves more attention for women with T1D
- The latest advances in diabetes technology
- Thoughts on cure research and the emotions surrounding it
- Diabetes burnout and the mental load of daily management
- Long-term complications and why these conversations matter
- Learning to advocate for yourself within today's healthcare system
- Finding hope, purpose, and community after decades with type 1 diabetes
Connect with Mary Ann Chamberlain:
Instagram: @owningt1dwithma
🎧 Be sure to listen to Episode 143 to hear Mary Ann's original story and then come back to this conversation to see just how much life has continued to evolve.
Connect with Melissa Slemp:
Follow on:
Check out Melissa's website
Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones
Connect with other like-minded women in a supportive group coaching community:
Type 1 In Midlife Coaching Circle
Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to f