When my doctor handed me the gestational diabetes diagnosis, I got a pamphlet, a glucose meter, and a 5-minute crash course on carb counting. Then I was sent on my way.
I left that appointment with more questions than answers. What does "good control" actually mean? Why do my numbers spike even when I eat the "right" things? Am I already failing my baby?
If you're feeling the same way right now, I want you to know: you're not alone, and you're not failing. Your doctor gave you the clinical basics because that's all they had time for. But here's what I wish someone had sat me down and explained 💛
You can do everything "right" and still have high numbers. That's the placenta, not you.
Your placenta produces hormones that block insulin. The further along you get, the more hormones it produces, and the harder your body has to work to keep blood sugar stable. Some bodies can keep up on their own. Others need help. That's it. That's the whole story.
This isn't about your diet before pregnancy, your weight, or your lifestyle choices. This is biology. And if your numbers are high despite your best efforts? That's not failure—that's your body telling you it needs support.
I spent weeks blaming myself for every high reading, convinced I was doing something wrong. But once I understood that GD is a hormonal condition caused by pregnancy, not a personal failing, everything shifted. I stopped punishing myself and started problem-solving instead.
Try this: Next time you see a high number, take a breath and say out loud: "This is information, not judgment." Because it is.
You need carbs for energy and baby's development. It's about the right amount, the right pairing, and the right timing.
When I was first diagnosed, I panicked and cut out A LOT of carbs. I thought that was the "safe" choice. But I was exhausted, cranky, and constantly hungry. Turns out, carbs aren't the villain—they're fuel.
Your baby's brain is developing rapidly, and it needs glucose. Your body needs carbs for energy to grow a human. The goal isn't to eliminate carbs—it's to choose the right ones and pair them strategically.
What works:
Complex carbs with fiber
Paired with protein and healthy fats to slow digestion
Spread throughout the day in balanced portions
What doesn't work:
Cutting carbs completely (hello, ketones and exhaustion)
Eating carbs alone without protein or fat
Loading all your carbs into one meal
Most providers recommend 30-60g of carbs per meal, but your personal target may vary. Work with your care team to find what's right for YOUR body.
Every number is data, not a grade. High reading? It's information to help you adjust, not proof you failed.
I used to dread testing. Every prick felt like a test I might fail. But here's what changed my perspective: your glucose meter isn't grading you. It's giving you feedback.
Think of it like a GPS. If you take a wrong turn, the GPS doesn't scold you—it recalculates and shows you a new route. That's what blood sugar testing does. A high number just means "let's try something different next time."
When you see a high number, ask yourself:
Did I eat carbs without enough protein or fat?
Was my portion bigger than usual?
Did I eat my carbs before protein?
Am I stressed, sick, or sleep-deprived? (All of these raise blood sugar!)
Did I skip my post-meal walk?
Every test is a chance to learn what works for YOUR body. And trust me, you'll become an expert faster than you think.
Seriously. Experiment with protein, and carb combos , and you might see a huge difference.
If you're struggling with high fasting numbers (and so many of us do), this is the tip I wish someone had told me on day one: don't skip your bedtime snack. (Ps. Everyone is different though—this is my knowledge and perspective.)
When you go too long without eating overnight, your liver releases stored glucose to keep your body functioning. This can cause your fasting number to spike. A balanced bedtime snack keeps your blood sugar steady through the night.
Winning bedtime snack combos could be:
Greek yogurt with a handful of berries and almonds
Cheese and whole grain crackers
Apple slices with peanut butter
Hard-boiled egg with a small piece of toast
Want more ideas? Check out our bedtime snacks guide for ideas.
Experiment to find what works best for YOUR body—there's no "right" bedtime snack that works for everyone.
Struggling with fasting numbers? Read our complete guide on how to lower fasting blood sugar with gestational diabetes for more strategies that might help.
Fiber first, then protein, then carbs. It sounds small, but it can make a real difference in your post-meal numbers.
This was one of those tips I thought sounded too simple to work. But when I started eating my salad or veggies BEFORE my main meal, I noticed my post-meal numbers were consistently lower.
Here's why it works: fiber slows down digestion and creates a "buffer" in your stomach. When you eat carbs after fiber and protein, they're absorbed more slowly, which means a gentler rise in blood sugar instead of a spike.
How to apply this:
Start meals with a side salad or veggies
Eat your protein next (chicken, fish, tofu, eggs)
Save your carbs (rice, pasta, bread, potatoes) for last
You don't have to be rigid about this—just try it a few times and see if it makes a difference for you. For many mamas, this one simple shift improves their numbers significantly.
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Smaller portions, smart pairings, and timing can help you enjoy the foods you love.
I thought GD meant saying goodbye to pizza, pasta, and anything remotely fun. But once I learned how to balance and pair foods, I realized I could still enjoy my favorites—just differently.
The strategy:
Portion control: Half the pasta, double the protein and veggies
Smart pairing: Pizza with a big salad and extra protein + extra cheese on top
Timing: Save higher-carb meals for lunch when insulin sensitivity is often better
Movement: A 10-20 minute walk after eating makes a huge difference
I had pizza during my pregnancy. I had birthday cake. I had holiday meals. I just learned how to make them work within my numbers. And you can too.
If you need it, it's safe, effective, and doesn't cross the placenta. It's just helping your body do what it can't do alone right now.
I was fortunate to manage my GD with diet and exercise alone, but I know many incredible mamas who needed insulin—and I watched them struggle with feelings of failure that they absolutely didn't deserve.
Here's what I learned from their stories and from the research: insulin is not a sign you did something wrong. It's a sign your placenta is producing particularly strong hormones that block insulin. Some bodies can compensate with diet alone. Others need medication. Neither path is better or worse—they're just different responses to the same biological challenge.
If your doctor recommends insulin:
It doesn't mean you failed—it means your placenta hormones are especially strong
Insulin doesn't cross the placenta and is safe for your baby
Many women need it as pregnancy progresses, no matter how "perfectly" they eat
It's a tool that helps you reach your goals, not a punishment
Mamas on insulin have beautiful, healthy births every single day
I've seen mamas beat themselves up over needing insulin, and it breaks my heart. Your body is doing exactly what it's supposed to do—growing a human. If it needs pharmaceutical support to manage the hormone surge that comes with that, that's just biology doing its thing.
Needing insulin is not a reflection of your effort or your worth as a mom. It's just your body's unique response to pregnancy hormones. That's it.
Want to learn more about GD medication options? Check out our guide on medication for gestational diabetes to understand what's available and when it might be needed.
Managing GD while growing a human is no joke. Give yourself credit for showing up every single day.
Here's what I want you to know: you're doing something incredibly hard. You're testing your blood sugar multiple times a day. You're planning every meal. You're tracking, adjusting, and advocating for yourself and your baby. That takes strength.
On the days when you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself: you're not just managing a medical condition—you're doing it while growing a whole human being. That's not small. That's powerful.
You're learning your body in ways most people never will. You're developing discipline, resilience, and self-awareness that will serve you long after pregnancy. And most importantly, you're showing your baby that when things get hard, you show up anyway.
That's the kind of mom your baby is lucky to have.
Looking back, I wish I'd known these things from day one. Not because they would've made GD easier (let's be honest, it's still hard), but because they would've helped me be kinder to myself.
You're not failing. You're learning. And every single day you show up, test your blood sugar, and make choices for your baby—that's you being an incredible mom.
Other mamas who found their way through GD:
Jenna's story: From perfectionism to self-compassion
Lola's journey: Managing GD with insulin and early diagnosis
Alyssa's experience: Navigating GD with anxiety and self-doubt
Every story is different, but they all remind us: you're not alone, and you're doing better than you think.
What's One Thing You Learned About GD That Your Doctor Didn't Tell You?
Share it in the HIgedi community—your experience might be exactly what another mama needs to hear today 💛
1. What should my doctor tell me about gestational diabetes?
Your doctor should explain that GD is caused by pregnancy hormones blocking insulin, not by anything you did wrong. They should cover blood sugar targets, testing frequency, meal planning basics, and when medication might be needed. But appointments are short, so many details get missed—that's where community support and self-education come in.
2. Why didn't my doctor explain gestational diabetes better?
Most doctors have limited appointment time and focus on the clinical essentials: diagnosis, targets, and treatment options. The emotional, practical, and day-to-day management details often get left out—not because they don't matter, but because there simply isn't time. That's why connecting with other GD mamas and trusted resources is so valuable.
3. Is gestational diabetes my fault?
No. Gestational diabetes is caused by pregnancy hormones produced by your placenta that block insulin. It's not caused by your diet, weight, or lifestyle. Some bodies can compensate for this insulin resistance, and others need help. It's biology, not blame.
4. What are the most important things to know about gestational diabetes?
The most important things: GD is hormonal, not personal; carbs aren't the enemy but need to be balanced with protein and fat; testing gives you data, not grades; movement after meals helps; and needing medication doesn't mean you failed. Most importantly: your baby is going to be okay, and so are you.
5. Can I still eat carbs with gestational diabetes?
Yes! You need carbs for energy and baby's brain development. The key is choosing complex carbs with fiber, pairing them with protein and healthy fats, and eating them in balanced portions throughout the day. Most providers recommend 30-60g of carbs per meal, but your target may vary.
6. How can I lower my fasting blood sugar with gestational diabetes?
Try eating a bedtime snack before bed, which keeps your blood sugar steady overnight and prevents your liver from releasing stored glucose. There isn't an ideal combination that works for all, so it's all about experiementing. Also ensure you're getting enough sleep, managing stress, and staying hydrated. If fasting numbers remain high despite these efforts, medication may be needed—and that's okay.
7. What happens if I need insulin for gestational diabetes?
Insulin is safe and effective. It doesn't cross the placenta or harm your baby—it simply helps your body manage blood sugar when diet and exercise aren't enough. Many women need insulin as pregnancy progresses because hormone levels rise. Needing insulin doesn't mean you failed; it means your body needs extra support, which is completely normal.
If you're newly diagnosed and need more guidance, check out our Newly Diagnosed Essentials Guide for everything you need to know in those first overwhelming weeks.
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