What It’s Like to Experience Gestational Diabetes: A Personal Account

During my pregnancies, I faced severe morning sickness with all three of my children, making it nearly impossible to keep food down. In fact, with my youngest, the situation escalated to the point where I had to be hospitalized for fluids. Despite my struggles, I found myself gaining weight by twelve weeks. Given my family history of diabetes, particularly on my father’s side, I turned to my partner and said, “I think I need to get checked for gestational diabetes.”

Typically, gestational diabetes is diagnosed through a fasting blood sugar test performed between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing it, including being slightly overweight (which I was), having a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes (I hadn’t), delivering a larger baby (not applicable), or having a strong family history of diabetes (a significant concern for me).

Due to my morning sickness and unexpected weight gain, it became evident that my blood sugar levels were out of control. Living with gestational diabetes was challenging. It complicated my pregnancy, and my labor required induction. My baby was larger than average, raising concerns about his blood sugar levels.

Adapting to Dietary Changes

Managing gestational diabetes necessitated serious adjustments to my diet. I needed to consume smaller, balanced meals frequently, incorporating the right amounts of protein and carbohydrates. Additionally, monitoring my blood sugar levels became a tedious but necessary routine. It required constant vigilance, as I had to calculate the carbohydrate and protein content of everything I ate.

A typical day’s meals included breakfast, a snack, lunch, another snack, dinner, and a final snack. I discovered that having a small serving of ice cream at night helped stabilize my blood sugar levels overnight, preventing spikes in the morning. Other moms had shared this tip with me, but as always, it’s important to consult your doctor first. Moderation is key—too much ice cream won’t help!

Blood Sugar Monitoring Challenges

Are you afraid of needles or blood? You might feel differently after this experience. Many newer monitors can check your sugar levels without the need for finger pricks, which can be a relief. However, these devices can be costly, and many insurance plans, including mine, may not cover them.

While some women can manage gestational diabetes through diet alone, about 30% require insulin to maintain stable blood sugar levels. This news can be overwhelming, but it’s manageable. My doctor reassured me that it was normal to feel upset upon learning about the need for insulin. But it’s essential to remember that it’s all going to be okay.

Unfortunately, my insurance wouldn’t cover the more convenient insulin pens, so I had to revert to the traditional method. This meant I had to carry a vial of insulin and needles with me. Yes, it felt awkward to have needles in my purse, but it became part of my routine. I injected myself into my thigh three times a day and disposed of the needles in a designated container. It wasn’t as painful as it sounds, but the experience was still less than ideal.

I was fortunate in some ways; I had a significant case that required regular injections and an induction, resulting in a healthy baby weighing 8 lbs, 11 oz—larger than my other children. Thankfully, he did not experience any post-birth complications.

The Reality of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is undoubtedly tough. The dietary restrictions and potential need for insulin can be frustrating. Yet, most women with gestational diabetes go on to deliver healthy babies. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, scared, or even angry about the situation. Why is this happening to you? Why can’t your pregnancy be “normal”?

It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings. Allow yourself to grieve the loss of the “normal” pregnancy experience. Don’t let others diminish your feelings by reminding you of the positive outcome. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated—these emotions are valid.

Remember, you are stronger than you realize. You can get through this, even when it seems impossible.

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Summary:

Gestational diabetes can present significant challenges during pregnancy, requiring dietary adjustments and, in some cases, insulin management. It’s natural to experience a range of emotions, from frustration to fear, but it’s crucial to acknowledge these feelings while also recognizing your strength. The majority of women with gestational diabetes go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.