Weight Loss Myths in Type 1 Diabetes—Debunked by a Diabetes Dietitian

Weight loss with type 1 diabetes is not the same as weight loss for everyone else—and pretending it is can do more harm than good. 

In this episode, host Madi Cheever chats with registered dietitian and diabetes care expert Sarah Hormachea to talk about why managing weight with T1D is uniquely complex.

Sarah explains the real physiological reasons weight loss can feel so difficult for people with type 1 diabetes—from insulin resistance and hormonal shifts to lows that require eating. They dig into why aggressive calorie restriction and very low-carb diets often backfire, and why “feeding the insulin” isn’t a sustainable long-term strategy.

You’ll also hear a nuanced discussion about:

• Insulin resistance and metabolic changes in adults with type 1 diabetes
• Menopause, stress, sleep, and their impact on blood sugar and weight
• GLP-1 medications, off-label use, and what “microdosing” actually means
• Clinical bias around body size and how it affects care for people with T1D
• What safe, realistic, evidence-based weight management should look like

This episode is empowering, practical, and validating—especially if you’ve ever felt like standard diet advice just doesn’t work for your body.

👥 Follow & Connect

• Host: Madi Cheever – @type.one.type.fun | TypeOneTypeFun.com
• Guest: Sarah Hormachea, RDN, CDCES – @sarah.hormachea | SarahHormachea.com
• Presented by: Direct Diabetes – @directdiabetes | DirectDiabetes.com
  (Helping people with diabetes get CGMs, insulin pump supplies & testing supplies delivered to their front door without insurance headaches & pharmacy hassles)
  

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube & Spotify

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This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health or treatment options.