Today I open up about a season of my life when fear of complications—after being diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy—drove me into a cycle of perfectionism with my blood sugars.

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I share the heavy toll it took on my health, family, and peace of mind, and the three red flags that perfectionism may be running your diabetes.

More importantly, I walk you through two mindset shifts that helped me finally break free: learning to influence instead of control and choosing curiosity over judgment.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted from chasing perfect numbers or burdened by guilt after every reading, this episode is for you. You’ll leave encouraged to loosen your grip, find more freedom in your diabetes care, and discover that peace—not perfection—is what truly protects your health.

Topics I cover:

• Melissa shares her fear of blood and diabetes management.
• Perfectionism can hinder effective diabetes management.
• Community support is crucial for emotional well-being.
• Recognizing red flags can help in managing diabetes better.
• It's important to celebrate small victories in blood sugar management.
• Mindset shifts can lead to a healthier relationship with diabetes.
• Control is an illusion; influence is the goal.
• Avoiding social situations due to diabetes can be detrimental.
• Self-judgment can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
• Finding joy in life with diabetes is possible.

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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.