T1D Women’s Summit and Screening with Host Reneé Rayles

T1D Strong had the chance to speak with Rayles about the premiere event sponsored by Sanofi Pharmaceuticals. We discussed what attendees can expect, how female health is often overlooked, and why screening events like this are crucial to the T1D community.

The global healthcare company Sanofi is known for its role in creating affordable insulin and, most recently, T1D screening. In 2023, Sanofi launched a nationwide campaign, “Screen it Like You Mean It,” to encourage T1D families to get tested for T1D autoantibodies.

The inaugural “Women’s Type 1 Diabetes Summit: Hormones and Blood Sugar” will occur on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Atlanta Diabetes Associates. If you live in Atlanta, here is the link to register. The free event provides:

• Expert-led discussions on hormones and blood sugar, nutrition support and meal planning
• A chance to meet other people with type 1 diabetes
• On-site type 1 diabetes autoantibody testing

Who is Reneé Rayles?

Reneé Rayles is a multifaceted professional known for her work as an actor, television reporter, podcast host and advocate for type 1 diabetes, particularly focusing on women’s health issues and affordable insulin for all.

“As a former TV reporter and host, I wanted to create a platform where I could moderate discussions with medical professionals, ensuring women with T1D, young ladies, and parents of T1D girls could receive accurate, reliable information on the unique challenges they face.”

Beyond her entertainment endeavors, Rayles actively engages in community events to provide resources for T1D research. She created “Hey T1D,” a platform dedicated to raising awareness about type 1 diabetes (T1D) through social media, and hosts the “Hey T1D” podcast, focusing on diabetes management. In 2022, her content reached over 27 million views.

Women’s T1D Summit: Hormones & Blood Sugar

Rayles founded the Women’s Type 1 Diabetes Summit to address how hormones affect blood glucose levels. “These hormonal changes can affect insulin sensitivity and the way the body responds to blood sugar levels, making management more challenging.”

Rayles went on to say, “Managing blood sugar for women with T1D can be more complex than for men due to hormonal fluctuations throughout different stages of life, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.”

Segment facilitator Brooke Eidson, PA-C with the Atlanta Diabetes Associates, will speak on the ever-changing hormones and how they affect blood glucose levels. 

“I decided to create and host this summit because I saw a specific need for conversations around type 1 diabetes in women, particularly how hormones affect our blood sugar management,” Rayles said. “Women with T1D often don’t have enough resources or research on this topic, and it’s not always fully explored in a way that takes into account the differences between men and women.”

Women’s Health Issues are Often Underfunded & Overlooked

Unfortunately, women, in general, are being underserved by the healthcare system, especially when it comes to menopause care, which receives less funding despite its long-term health benefits. Studies show less than 20% of OB-GYNs in the U.S. receive menopause education, yet over one billion women worldwide will be in menopause by 2025.

‍
“Many endocrinologists, like OB-GYNs, aren’t always fully trained to address the unique challenges women with T1D face, especially when it comes to menopause and how hormones, in general, affect blood sugar,” Rayles said. “I’ve had women reach out to me saying their doctors told them hormones don’t affect blood sugar, which can be frustrating when seeking answers.”

Through this event, Rayles hopes to bring women, young girls and parents together for a facilitated conversation with professionals in T1D management.

“For women searching for guidance, my advice is to seek specialists who understand both diabetes and women’s health. It’s important to find trusted, science-backed resources and to keep advocating for your health,” said Rayles. “You’re not alone in this journey, and there are supportive communities out there.”

Speaking of T1D Communities!

Studies consistently show that community engagements like the T1D Summit and Screening play a key role in our mental and physical health. Social connections boost emotional support and help lower cortisol (stress hormones) while fostering a sense of belonging. They also allow T1Ds to share notes, struggles, and positive reinforcement.

Rayles agrees: “The T1D community has been incredible. It makes me feel normal and understood. Connecting with others who truly get it helps me navigate daily challenges with more confidence and support. The online community I’ve found through my platform, Hey T1D, has been incredibly supportive and has provided a platform to make connections and learn how people with T1D manage their condition around the world.”

Connecting with others provides support, tips, and reassurance that make a big difference. Rayles encourages newly diagnosed individuals to get involved, as it helps you realize you’re not alone and  can do this—even when it feels overwhelming at first.”

“There are also great resources like Breakthrough T1D, Beyond Type 1, and local T1D support groups that offer education and community,” she said. “My local Breakthrough T1D chapter is amazing and has events on a variety of topics for all ages.”

T1D Autoantibody Screening by Sanofi

Now more than ever, we’re learning how type 1 diabetes screening and early detection is a viable option that can delay the disease’s progression and prevent life-threatening complications.

“Raising awareness about screening helps get people the information they need, and it’s a simple yet powerful step in the fight against T1D,” said Rayles. “Additionally, if someone in your family has T1D, you’re up to 15 times more likely to be diagnosed as well.”

This unique initiative, sponsored by Sanofi, offers loved ones the opportunity to get tested for type 1 diabetes and learn more about screening benefits throughout the night. Rayles suggests that those interested bring their insurance card, as the testing is not included in the free portion of the event. Without insurance the testing fee is $169. A provider will call individuals who test positive for the T1D autoantibodies.

“I decided to include T1D screening in my event because it’s such an easy way for families, friends, or anyone interested to get tested. Early detection can make a huge difference in managing type 1 diabetes.”

T1D Hands-On Nutrition Segment 

Meal planning and healthy eating add an extra layer of complexity while managing type 1 diabetes. Balancing carbs, insulin and blood sugar levels requires careful monitoring.

The Summit’s nutrition segment spotlights Atlanta Diabetes Associates’ Caroline Williams (MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES), also a T1D, who will host the “How to Make a Crave Plate” session featuring glycemic-friendly snacks.

“This plate is designed to satisfy cravings, especially during that time of the month, while not sending your blood sugar levels to the moon,” Rayles said. “I’m excited to take my glycemic-friendly snacking to the next level and learn from Caroline, as she’s the expert!”

Here are a few of Rayles’ favorite snacks and other tips you might expect at the Summit:

• Dark chocolate and almonds – a small piece of dark chocolate paired with a handful of almonds to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing healthy fats and protein.
• A rice cake with peanut butter (without added sugar) and a few dark chocolate chips for a sweet and satisfying snack.

For more details, visit the event’s website at www.T1DWomen.com. Don’t miss this meaningful conversation on how hormones affect blood sugar levels and a chance to connect, learn, and take charge of your T1D journey. 

If you can’t attend the Atlanta April summit, Rayles, working with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Atlanta and Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) in Columbia, South Carolina, will hold two upcoming events. These events will discuss how varying hormone levels throughout a woman’s life, from adolescence to menopause, can cause blood sugar fluctuations and why this happens.

Also, Rayles plans to expand the T1D Women’s Summit nationwide. “I’m planning to bring the T1D Women’s Summit to more cities and host a national event with an online option. Stay tuned for updates as I’m working on them as we speak!” 

Knowledge is Power

Managing blood sugar through hormonal changes is challenging and often misunderstood for females of all ages. This event is designed for women living with T1D and parents of daughters with T1D who want to better recognize the connections between hormonal changes—such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause—and blood glucose management.

Most importantly, screening loved ones for type 1 diabetes can feel overwhelming and even frightening, but knowing can make a huge difference. Early detection can possibly delay the disease’s progression and prevent life-threatening complications.