Sabrina’s Gestational Diabetes Story: Overwhelm, Grace, and Small Victories

When you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about how it makes you feel, what it changes in your daily life, and how you find your way through. If you’re feeling defeated, overwhelmed, or like you’re the only one struggling with the grocery store or late-night snacks, Sabrina’s story is for you.

Here’s what Sabrina shared with me 💛

Sabrina’s Story

When were you diagnosed, and how did you feel?

I was diagnosed at 28 weeks, and I felt defeated. I didn’t have a horrible diet, so I felt like a failure.

What was (or is) the hardest part for you?

The hardest part was figuring out dinner and not wanting to cook two separate meals. I was also just overwhelmed at the grocery store and literally cried big tears trying to figure out how to manage my numbers. I started incorporating low-sugar protein shakes as snacks between meals.

What helped you manage your numbers?

I started walking for 30–40 minutes every morning, at least four or five times a week, after dropping my daughter off at school. I’d come home, eat breakfast, and then head out. It was hard at first, but the more consistent I was, the more it became part of my routine. I also really focused on tracking my protein and adding healthy carbs to my diet. There was a lot of trial and error. I had to remind myself that I wasn’t the only one in the world dealing with so much change at once. My fasting numbers were (and occasionally still are) the hardest to manage. I met with a diabetes specialist. My doctor put me on 25mg of insulin after dinner, but that wasn’t working, so for the last four weeks I’ve been on metformin twice a day—once in the morning and again at bedtime.

Any breakthrough moments or things you wish you'd known earlier?

I think just giving myself grace in the beginning and not being so down about it would’ve helped me.

How did things go with delivery and postpartum (if you’re there already)?

I have a week left!

Any advice or encouragement for other mamas going through it?

Don’t beat yourself up over something that’s beyond your control. You didn’t cause this. Focus on moving your body (even when your mind tells you that you’re tired) and don’t skip your snacks. Water is your best friend. Avoid drinks with high caffeine content.

My Thoughts

Thank you so much, Sabrina, for sharing your story. What stands out is how real the overwhelm is—crying in the grocery store, feeling like you failed, and struggling with dinners are things so many of us go through (even if we rarely talk about it out loud). The truth is, GD isn’t about a “bad” diet or not trying hard enough. Sometimes, it’s just what your body needs to do to get your baby here safely.

I love how she leaned into small routines—morning walks, tracking protein, and giving yourself grace. It’s not about getting it perfect, but about finding what works for you and not giving up, even when it’s hard. The reminder that you’re not alone, and that it’s okay to feel all the feelings, is powerful.

Update: At the time of posting this story, Sabrina is now the happiest mom to a beautiful baby girl! Her daughter had a brief low blood sugar at birth, but after her first feed, she was perfectly fine. She weighed 6 lbs 14 oz and is healthy and thriving.

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re in good company. Give yourself grace, keep moving forward, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re doing better than you think.

Want to share your own GD story? I’d love to hear from you—send me a message at hi@higedi.com 💛

If you’re newly diagnosed and looking for guidance, check out our Newly Diagnosed Essentials Guide for tips on what to expect and how to manage your numbers.