Let’s be real — gestational diabetes isn’t fun. No one wakes up hoping to spend months meticulously measuring every bite, walking after dinner, and debating the exact carb content of a snack. But hear me out for a second: we’re kind of lucky to be dealing with gestational diabetes now.
I mean, think about it. This is the era of avocado and cottage cheese in literally everything. Keto products are everywhere, low-carb, no-added-sugar, and complex-carb options are booming. We live in a world where you can Google “low-carb pancake recipes” and get hundreds of ideas — from almond flour to cottage cheese to cauliflower — instead of trying to survive on plain crackers and diet soda.
A few decades ago, managing gestational diabetes was a lot more limiting. Snack options were sparse, “safe” foods were basic, and there weren’t endless blogs, recipes, or community groups to lean on. You had to make do with what was available — often just bland, repetitive meals that left you feeling deprived.
Today, we have so many options that we can actually enjoy what we eat while still keeping our numbers in check. Think protein-packed snacks that taste like dessert, low-carb breads that actually satisfy, or smoothies that are both delicious and blood-sugar friendly. We can experiment and find what works for our bodies, rather than just guessing or sticking with whatever someone handed us in a pamphlet.
I also want to be clear — I’m not comparing our gestational diabetes experience today with what pregnancy looked like 50 or 100 years ago. Back then, screening wasn’t standard, the definitions were different, and many women probably went undiagnosed without ever knowing it.
What I am comparing is the last 10–20 years, because that’s when awareness, testing, and food options have shifted so much. For example, in the U.S. the rate of gestational diabetes was about 4.6% in 2006 and had risen to around 8.2% by 2016. In Northern Thailand, it increased from about 3.4% in 2003 to 22% in 2022. In places like Australia and Denmark, the numbers have also gone up steadily in the last decade.
This rise is partly due to things we can’t control — more universal screening, changing diagnostic criteria, higher average maternal age, and rising obesity rates. But to me, it also highlights why we’re “lucky” in a way: gestational diabetes is being recognized, caught, and treated earlier than ever before.
When I was diagnosed at week 10, it honestly felt endless — like I was being asked to “diet” through my entire pregnancy while others were happily “eating for two.” But looking back, I also recognize how different things would have years ago. Not many recipe blogs. No low-carb breads or protein snacks that actually taste good. No community groups where women could compare experiences and remind each other that they’re not alone.
That doesn’t make gestational diabetes easy, but it does mean we’re better equipped than ever before. Today, we can experiment, learn, and find meals we enjoy while still keeping blood sugar in check — and that is something to be grateful for.
Gestational diabetes is still challenging. There’s no way around that. Some days, your numbers are perfect, and other days they spike no matter how carefully you plan. That’s normal. But having more options — whether it’s different flours, alternative sweeteners, or pre-made keto-friendly snacks — allows us to experiment.
For example:
I had never baked with almond flour before my gestational diabetes diagnosis. Now it’s a staple in my cookie, muffin, and pancake recipes (check additional resources below).
Peanut butter wasn’t a daily thing for me before, but I found it’s a lifesaver for balancing carbs and adding protein.
Greek yogurt + nut butter + berries (I love blueberries here) + almond meal or crushed almonds + a sprinkle of cinnamon is my go-to comfort snack — and it works great with blood sugar.
Finding foods that both satisfy and keep your numbers in range isn’t just about willpower — it’s about using the tools available to you in today’s world.
Low carb cookies: 6 Delicious Low-Carb Cookie Recipes
Low-carb muffins: 6 Diabetic Muffin Recipes for Moms Managing Gestational Diabetes
Low-carb pancakes & waffles: 10+ Low Carb Pancake & Waffles Recipes
Greek yogurt bowls: 20 Ways to Jazz Up Greek Yogurt for Gestational Diabetes Diet (Sweet & Savory Recipes)
Another thing that’s really different now? Community. Social media groups, blogs, and online resources mean you’re not navigating this alone. You can swap recipes, share wins, vent frustrations, and find people who truly get it. That support alone makes the experience a little less daunting.
If there’s one lesson gestational diabetes teaches us, it’s that perfection isn’t the goal — progress is. Some days, your numbers will be perfect. Other days, they won’t. That’s okay. Focus on what you can control: balanced meals, movement, hydration, sleep, and giving your body the care it needs.
It’s also okay to embrace some of the modern comforts: store-bought low-carb snacks, pre-made keto desserts, and convenient protein bars are not “cheating” — they’re part of the toolkit that makes managing gestational diabetes sustainable.
It may sound a little silly, but even small moments of gratitude can make a huge difference. Be thankful for:
Access to healthy ingredients and snacks
Blogs, recipes, and online communities to lean on
Tools like CGMs, glucose meters, and apps that track patterns
Knowledge — you know your body, your blood sugar, and what works for you
We can’t control everything, but we can make the experience a little more manageable — and maybe even a little enjoyable. Gestational diabetes may still be tough, but at least we have some tasty allies, modern knowledge, and supportive communities in our corner.
So, if you’re feeling frustrated today, take a minute. Open your pantry. Try that new low-carb muffin recipe you bookmarked. Appreciate that, in the middle of all this, you live in the era of options.
Your journey might be challenging, but it doesn’t have to feel completely isolating or hopeless. There’s comfort, creativity, and yes, a little fun in finding what works for you — and that’s worth celebrating.
– Julija
Founder of HIgedi & fellow GD mama
Get a Free 20-Day Shopping List
