Managing Gestational Diabetes: My Journey (and Why HIgedi Exists)

When I was first diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it felt a lot like driving in a brand new city—confusing, stressful, and full of unexpected detours. I originally shared my story on Medium, but I wanted to bring it here to HIgedi for every mama who’s ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or alone on this journey. If you’re reading this, I hope my experience helps you feel seen and a little less isolated. 💜

Managing Gestational Diabetes Is Like Driving in a New City

(Adapted from my original Medium post)

Imagine you’re handed the keys to a car and told to drive somewhere you’ve never been before—no map, no GPS, just a list of complicated rules and a lot of pressure to “not mess up.” That’s what my GD diagnosis felt like. Suddenly, every meal became a potential wrong turn, every blood sugar reading felt like a traffic ticket, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

I spent so much time second-guessing my choices, feeling anxious about numbers, and worrying about what would happen if I made a mistake. There were moments of frustration, confusion, and even guilt. But there were also moments of learning, growth, and, eventually, confidence.

The Early Days: Overwhelm & Information Overload

I remember Googling everything—what to eat, what not to eat, what my numbers meant, and how to “fix” a high reading. The advice was often clinical, sometimes conflicting, and rarely comforting. I felt like I was supposed to become an expert overnight, but all I wanted was someone to say, “It’s okay to be scared. You’re doing your best.”

Turning Points: Finding Real Support

Things started to shift when I found other women who understood. Not just experts, but real mamas who shared what actually worked for them—like which snacks kept their blood sugar steady, or how they handled the emotional rollercoaster. Peer support made all the difference. I learned that one high number doesn’t mean failure, and that progress is worth celebrating, even if it’s slow.

What made the difference? Finding real support—from other women who’d been there, from practical advice (not just rules), and from giving myself permission to learn as I went.

Why I Built HIgedi

HIgedi was born out of that feeling of driving lost and alone. But honestly? It also came from wishing I could just see what real mamas were actually eating—what worked for their blood sugar (and what totally didn’t), what snacks got them through those late-night cravings, and what “good enough” looked like on a real plate (not a Pinterest-perfect one).

I wanted to create a space where you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself—a place for real stories, real food inspiration, and real community. HIgedi is about mamas sharing their actual meals and snack ideas (with or without numbers—because some days you just don’t want to see another test strip, and that’s okay). You’ll get practical, doable inspiration for what to try next, even if you’re tired, overwhelmed, or just need one new idea to get through the week.

You’ll find food ideas you’ll actually want to eat (full disclosure: you’ll still have to experiment to see what works for your body—there’s no universal “safe” snack, but at least you won’t be starting from scratch every single time). You’ll also see plenty of “me too” moments—like, yes, sometimes I ate the same thing three days in a row, and yes, I miss fruit too.

Whether you’re just starting your GD journey or you’ve been navigating it for a while, you deserve support that’s honest, non-judgmental, and grounded in real life (not just numbers). With HIgedi, you’ll find encouragement, real food ideas, and a community that gets it—no matter how many detours you hit along the way. And if you ever need a reminder that you’re not alone or doing it “wrong,” just come and say "hi". We’ve all been there. 💛

Want to Go Deeper?

• Beginner’s Guide to Gestational Diabetes
  (Start here if you’re newly diagnosed or need a refresher on the basics.)

• Gestational Diabetes Emotional Support
  (For the days when you need a pep talk or just to feel less alone.)

• How I Handle Sweet Cravings with Gestational Diabetes
  (Real talk about cravings, fruit, and finding treats that actually work.)

• Gestational Diabetes Shopping List
  (What to actually buy at the store—no weird specialty foods required!)

Your Turn

If you’ve ever felt like you’re driving in a new city with no map, you’re not alone. I’d love to hear your story—share in the community or email me at hi@higedi.com. We’re in this together. 💛

— Julija