177. Insulin Sensitivity, Hormones, and the T1D Weight Loss Conversation No One’s Having

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Joelle Cavagnaro for a powerful conversation on what’s really going on with weight loss, insulin sensitivity, PCOS, and GLP-1s, especially for women living with T1D. We dive into the science behind smarter workouts, why more cardio isn’t always better, and how strength training plays a key role in improving blood sugar and hormone balance. With a Master's in Exercise Physiology and a passion for educating & guiding others, Joelle brings a refreshing blend of real-life experience and evidence-based guidance to help you stop chasing quick fixes and start building a sustainable foundation for health. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of trying to “figure it all out,” this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and less alone. Let’s rise above the noise together and talk about what actually works.

Quick Takeaways:

• Navigating hormonal challenges + PCOS
• The role nutrition plays in weight loss 
• Understanding insulin sensitivity, exercising + CGMs (and how they all connect) 
• The truth about GLP-1s: How and who they benefit 

Timestamps:

• [03:08] Meet Joelle + the beginning of her fitness journey 
• [07:23] Key to finding the right support (for weight loss, exercising, diabetes, etc.) 
• [08:51] Insulin sensitivity and the benefits that weight training has for that 
• [10:53] Most superior workout (in Joelle’s opinion) 
• [16:06] How nutrition + food play a role in reaching body composition goals
• [16:12] “The rule for weight loss…”
• [17:08] Making appropriate diet changes
• [19:49] Joelle’s journey with PCOS + hormones 
• [26:03] “I stepped on the scale and the number went down…without starving or killing myself with cardio.”
• [29:43] Current era of GLP-1s: Who are they helping? 
• [39:45] Non-diabetics using CGMs 
• [53:59] Rapid-fire: Joelle’s take on what’s trending in the health and fitness space

What to do now: 

1. Ready to master your body’s patterns around exercise and support insulin sensitivity + body composition? Download our FREE guide HERE. 
2. Apply for coaching with Joelle and/or follow along her journey HERE. 
3. Listen to Episode 117:   T1D Hormones, Appetite, Insulin Sensitivity, and Weight Loss with Ginger Vieira 
4. The Supply Solution I Wish I Had Sooner: After five years of using Byram Healthcare, I can say it’s made managing my supplies one less thing to worry about. Between their reliable and free delivery, seamless reordering, and access to tools like the mybyram app, it’s a total game-changer. Learn more HERE or contact them at: 866-884-0857  
5. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop