Gestational Diabetes: The Fear and the Facts

Whitney (27) was shocked to find out she had Gestational Diabetes through her first pregnancy, despite having no known risk factors.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. In Australia 15% of pregnant women will develop GDM.

Like many other expecting mothers with GDM, Whitney found the experience of being diagnosed very overwhelming. “When I was put in contact with the diabetes team at the hospital, I had to attend a group introduction session where we watched a very frightening video on the causes and all the risks – one woman was so confronted she was crying uncontrollably”.

 “It felt like a scare tactic, and just made me more nervous about being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes,” said Whitney.

As a first-time expecting mother who was already cautious of doing everything right, Whitney became more anxious about the potential impact on herself and her baby, feeling an enormous pressure to ensure her glucose levels were balanced to avoid complications.

She spent sleepless nights researching, being overwhelmed on how to navigate a new diet on top of her existing food allergies. 

“I understand there are limitations to the resources the public health system can provide, but I think if I received more individualised care and support in the initial stage of diagnosis, I would have felt less alone and worried about the path ahead,” said Whitney.

Whitney was able to manage her glucose levels through a combination of diet, careful monitoring, and insulin treatment, giving birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl.

Whitney has reached out to us and will be receiving ongoing one-on-one support, education, and guidance throughout her second pregnancy via the incredible health professionals on our team.

As part of our commitment at the Metabolic Health Foundation we work towards establishing a better understanding of GDM throughout the community and alleviating the pressure on pregnant woman who are diagnosed. We hope to make this experience less daunting for expecting mothers with GDM, through our team of experienced and caring health professionals.