I’m also a physician who was diagnosed with GD during my pregnancy. I can definitely relate! I cried because the pregnancy had been going well, I was worried about how my baby would be affected and aside from a family history of diabetes, didn’t have risk factors. I came to accept it and like you did all the research I could to figure out how to best manage it. tried to control with diet alone but ended up needing insulin at night to control those fasting sugars. Fasting sugars can be really hard to control so don’t beat yourself over it if you are not able to control with diet alone as your pregnancy progresses. Mine ended up being controlled with diet and insulin and my baby was born a normal healthy weight. Wishing you the best in your journey. You will get through. One good thing is that you learn how to eat very healthy and GD sets you on a path of healthier eating going forward.
It means so much to hear this! I obviously know all the risks etc etc but it’s so different being on the physician side (being the patient is so hard! lol) but your comment reminds me to show myself grace and that I’m doing the best that I can for my baby and my health. I am learning so much about food and diet, definitely was a knowledge gap for me before so for that I am so thankful!
I'm a Registered Dietitian who had gestational diabetes with my pregnancy and I was devastated! I had worked in the area of gestational diabetes but living it was a whole different experience! It was scary and hard and definitely took an emotional toll, however I will say I learned so much, became a WAY better health care provider, and by the grace of God my son was a beautiful, perfect, healthy baby boy ❤️. I also learned its a running joke in the RD community that so many of us end up with GD so we can practice what we preach! Humbling for sure! Haha Praying for a beautiful journey of learning and a healthy, happy baby and mama!
You are not alone, I had GD last year too and I have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. You didn’t do anything wrong, it’s ALL the placenta. I highly recommend Lily Nichols’s book real food for gestational diabetes, and the one for pregnancy in general, they are both fantastic resources with lots of meal ideas! I ended up on Metformin by the end, and my baby was 6lbs 9oz and passed all of his blood sugar checks with flying colors. It’s all going to be ok!
I am an RN and when I started getting high BP during both of my pregnancies it made me feel all the same feelings. It was ultimately from pre e but still makes you feel like you did something to cause it. I’m sorry for your diagnosis. I think God is putting you through all of these pregnancy complications you’ve gone through to help you relate to your patients as an MD❤ a doctor who can relate to their patients is a good doctor.
I had GD for my first pregnancy and it was very stressful/overwhelming at first. Hardest part was that life and other people don't always cooperate with your new requirements and schedule (time for testing, eating right, staying active, etc.) and the pressure to do all the things is so high. Being able to commiserate with other moms going through the same thing was the most helpful, so you're awesome for making this video. Once it was over though, I was very grateful to have established much more healthy routines and diet.
I had it too, was 31 when I was diagnosed. Got the news the day global Covid quarantine began. I felt so overwhelmed and upset, because I tried to do everything right during my pregnancy, but my OBG kept reminding me it wasn't my fault and that sometimes it just happens. You will get through it. Sending you hugs and positive vibes! You and the baby will be ok. ❤️ And it's absolutely okay to be emotional. I kept reminding myself every sacrifice would be worth for the baby. 🤰🏻I would poke myself before every meal, got meds towards the end but it didn't set well. "Perk" was that I hardly gained any weight at all, was just baby weight. Got to have a natural delivery and baby was healthy. 🙏🏻 First thing I said the moment she was out was "I no longer have gestational diabetes!?"
I was diagnosed with GD about 3 weeks ago and I’m currently 31 weeks pregnant now. Hx of pcos, and other risk factors. I’m an OT in the nicu (so familiar with seeing large babies, I’m already a bit paranoid, etc). At first I felt guilty, devestated too. Although it’s challenging (with craving and the holidays),it’s been a great learning experience. I learned about many different “substitutes” that control my sugar, but still allow me to enjoy a few things. Things that helped me : 1) I took a gd diabetes class offered at my hospital, and received a personalized meal plan 2) I joined fb support groups 3) I seek out alternative recipes, etc I’m using things like monkfruit instead of sugar, make tea /fruit infused drinks, walk more I see a high risk ob as well as my main ob (so get more ultrasounds, which always helped me feel more relieved). I felt very alone too at first, but in my class and on support groups see there are so many of us trying to defeat this. I love all your videos Dr. Ali. And appreciate you.
I had it during my pregnancy at 35 and considered myself "healthy" & was in shock when they told me I had it. It was hard especially when my sister was also pregnant & could eat everything.. I had to say no to certain foods/dishes (we're mexican) so I had to many times carry my own food /snacks.. but I learned a lot with the help of my nutritionist ❤ I also had to inject insulin at night.. def hard but i did it for my baby girl.. and now I stayed with those healthy eating habits . Todo va estar bien... ❤
Thank you for sharing this. GD is a new diagnosis for me as well and it is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Figuring it all out is not for the faint of heart and some days are definitely better than others. But I appreciate hearing your story and knowing I am not alone. You’ve been a very valuable resource for me during this pregnancy.
I found out in my first pregnancy at 15 weeks pregnant and it hit me like a truck. I felt extreme guilt. I have had it early diagnosed in all 3 of my pregnancies. I expect it and still have to deal with the mind set that I didn’t do anything. So far for all 3 pregnancies I have been able to control it with diet which I know is an extreme blessing. Walking for 15 minutes after every meal makes a difference for me in helping my numbers.
So sorry you're going through this but thank you so much for sharing! It's going to help many mommas not feel alone in a frustrating, scary diagnosis. Definitely prioritize that beautiful baby girl! Another video can wait :)
I left a comment but it kept saying error so hopefully there aren’t two comments. U r not alone either. I cried for my baby the first day. I’m an RDH & my dad passed away from type2d/ESRD right before I found out I was pregnant so that freaked me out too. I’m also latina & I’m high risk due to my age 36…etc. I’m glad u made a video that I can relate to. I wasn’t finding any YT videos that discussed the nitty gritty, the science, reality, personal experience, etc. There are mostly vloggers talking about taking the glucola test & passing it or a day in the life of what they eat with GD. Bc of my profession, I’m sure I overthink about so many things that GD can do & lead to. I’m supposed to start insulin but having insurance/ob issues. Good luck & looking forward to following your journey.
I have had GD now twice, my biggest recommendation for you as well as your patients is see if your insurance will cover a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) it makes monitoring sugars SO much easier. Then also just try and get as much protein in as you can with each meal and eat your proteins and fats before the carbs if possible! GD is hard, my second time around I was willing to push the limits and try different things. It’s also wild because some things that should totally cause your sugar to spike and you would expect them to take longer to come down, don’t. Then things you don’t expect to do that, do. Easier said then done but just give yourself grace, know that you are doing everything you can and this is just the fault of the hormones from the placenta. I was induced at 37 weeks 2 days and 37 weeks and 1 day because I was doing everything except insulin and just couldn’t get my sugars cooperate. Healthy babies and my sugars went down within literally hours of delivering the placenta. Oh another way of explaining GD that was really helpful for me is the hormones from the placenta are interfering with your bodies ability to absorb and use the insulin that it’s making. It’s like the hormones are playing fruit ninja and blocking the blood cells from getting the insulin. Good luck! You’re not alone but damn it it really can feel like it. 🫶🏻 Oh some helpful foods, built bars, fairlife protein shakes (any protein shake with low net carbs), cheese sticks, nuts, carrots w/ hummus and meats (watch out with jerky, some have a lot of sugar).
37 weeks and a few days here. Got diagnosed back in 28 and will be induced in 2 weeks. After all this time, it's still stressful. Extra difficult, too, since I'm a vegetarian and seem to crave all the sweets now. Baby seems to be ok so far and measuring normal in ultrasounds though, so that's one thing that cheers me up.
I had GD with both my pregnancies. The mental toll is no joke. I could have easily filmed the same exact video with the same emotions you are going through. The loneliness, shame, guilt… All of it! I almost did not want to eat at all because the list of what I could have was so narrow. Both my babies were born healthy but I still get emotional thinking back. You are not alone… You will get through it and you are helping hundreds of other moms with GD by making this video ❤
I also had GD and all the risk factors to have as well. My father had diabetes, I was older than 25, Hispanic, all the things. I freaked out when I was diagnosed and felt like my dr wasn’t answering my concerns in a way that comforted me. I may have freaked out a bit much, but I was scared. Fortunately my coworkers at the time included a Dr and she was a friend of mine and told me I could see a mfm if needed. I took that route and my ob told me I’d likely be put on insulin. I was but that was ok and I was able to have a healthy baby. Hugs to you. Praying for a healthy baby. ❤
I'm so sorry, Ali!! You are not alone. I just want you to know there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that medication for diabetes can be life changing (along with diet, exercise etc.) I've never been pregnant, but I was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few months ago. I didn't realize I had any risk factors other than being South Asian, because I wasn't overweight. And I hate to use your TH-cam channel as a place to vent, but the process of getting diagnosed was an absolute nightmare. For more than ten years I had absolutely crushing fatigue, such extreme thirst that I kept developing dangerously low sodium, all kinds of constant skin infections, and very frequent viral infections, like severe flulike and viral gastroenteritis symptoms every two or three weeks to a month or so. I have a few other chronic conditions, so I assumed those symptoms were just either part of being generally unwell, or symptoms of a new biologic that I'm taking. But I decided to seek medical care for these symptoms over the summer, and it did not go well. I had three different skin infections at the time, and my dermatologist was booked out for a year, so I found another dermatologist. The new dermatologist accused me of having Munchausen's when I asked if my skin infections could be related to pre-diabetes. She also accused me of "jumping from provider to provider" just because I switched from my previous derm who was booked out for a year. This woman referred me to psychiatry, and incorrectly told me my skin infections were just eczema and inflamed keratosis pilaris. She said she wouldn't see me again until I saw a particular psychiatrist. The psychiatrist happened to be best friends with that dermatologist. There was a picture of the two of them together in his office, and he called her by her first name. The psychiatrist quite literally said, "you have no risk factors. The type diabetes is in your mind." And two days later I was diagnosed by my primary care physician with type 2 diabetes. I then found out I also had untreated sleep apnea, which was a risk factor I didn't know I had. Now I have a Munchausen's diagnosis in my chart, too. And the psychiatrist claimed that wasn't his diagnosis, even though I can see it in the visit note on MyChart. It's been hell, but I am just glad I advocated for myself. Because I feel SO much better on metformin than I ever thought I could.
Back in 2020 I was in my first pregnancy and ended up diagnosed with GD. I had never heard of this before, I was so sad, mad & scared with dealing with covid on top of everything it was a hard year and like having to have a special diet when all you want is to give in to the cravings lol that was Hard! I ended up having to get insulin every night and ended up having baby by cesarean. One positive was that I had to get ultrasounds every week so I got to see baby a lot more than normal pregnancies! But then for my second pregnancy I didn’t pass first test but did pass the three hr one and I was sooo relieved.
As a mom who is 29 weeks with my second and has GD for the second time. I can honestly say it is rough I had a few risk factors with both pregnancy AMA and my father was a type 2 diabetic. It took a lot of trial and error but I was able to stay diet controlled with my first and we are 4 weeks in from my diagnosis with my second so far doing alright. I will say and this was just my experience even though I was diet controlled my daughter was born with a very low blood sugar luckily no NICU stay she was able to regulate within the 12 hour window right after her birth thank God for that. But I will say the whole experience is hard and scary and you are for sure not alone. I also think everything you are feeling is 100% normal and maybe amplified a little bit because you are a provider and know so much more going into it. Just take it a day at a time one blood test at a time and don't be like me a freak out when you have a high sugar after eating something you didn't think would trigger your sugar but you found out it does for me that is potatoes I can not have potatoes in any way shape form or amount. Here's to keeping our sugars under control and beautiful perfect babies come the end of winter ❤️☺️
Hi Dr. A, I was diagnosed with GD in my last 2 pregnancies. Everything was fine, thank goodness. They were both 7lbs, and passed their tests perfectly. I encourage you to look up Lily Nichols work. I followed a high protein/low carb diet and exercised after every meal.
I am so sorry. I had gd in my pregnancy in 2022. I was devastated! I am 5' 2" and was 90 pounds pre-pregnancy and I have an extremely active job. I was so so thankful to be diet controlled and was induced at 39 weeks and 6 days. I gave birth to her.
Is induction necessary for GD? I hear so many people with it get induced and I wonder if it is just standard protocol or if there are risks if you go at or over your due date
I wish I could give you a hug. I was so emotional when I got diagnosed too. I went from diagnosis to insulin regimen in 72 hrs. My questions is if you are pre-diabetic pre pregnancy, are treated as diabetic during pregnancy regardless
I had GD with my second baby 😢 I was so sad but I managed with diet and exercise my biggest worries was baby being too big and luckily she was perfect 7lb! It is very hard but definitely a well worth sacrifice for a healthy mom and baby.
So I had this with my last two pregnancies baby #5 and #6. With #5 I felt like I failed him and it was just so stressful he was also my Covid baby so just everything was stressful. But #6 I just knew I was going to have it and I hated it but the best thing I did and my best advice is meal prep. I would meal prep about 4 days at once all my 3 main meals and I need my snacks I would eat and my numbers were very well when I did that. If I didn’t have my meal planed for a day my numbers would be bad. And I would do a mile walk after 30mins from eating my meals.
Man gestational diabetes was always something I feared to be diagnosed with. I have some risk factors (high BMI, Latina,etc) so they make me take it at 12 weeks. With my first they had me take it at 12 weeks and I passed, so I didn't have to take it again. But when I switched providers they insisted I take it because I was considered overweight, I'm Latina and because it was my first baby. I declined it. They tried to tell me I probably did have GD because my son was 10lbs, even though I passed the test. But my home birth midwife said lol no you didn't your son was a solid baby and not a Marshmallow looking baby, he was probably that weight because you ate a lot of protein based foods which was important to his growth and development." This time around I failed the 1 hr but I passed the 3 hr, so no gestational diabetes again. The test was the worst. I don't eat a ton of sugar (cookies, juice, soda, etc. I normally don't have dessert unless we're with friends which is not often) so my body doesn't handle sugar very well. It definitely didn't handle it very well at the 3 hr. I was praying I wouldn't puke or pass out because I'm also hypoglycemic (but not diabetic) so it was hard sitting there for 3 hours without eating.
Aww mama I wanna give you a big hug 🤍 I had GD with my first but not with my second, it’s a really emotional ride that’s for sure! You’re allowed to feel all the feelings! My baby was born completely healthy and peachy (my second comes earth-side in a few weeks lol they’re also very healthy) I also did not go on to develop type 2, hang in there 🤍
I wish this video was here last year, because i could have used it. Ugh, i want to wrap my arms around you. All these feelings are valid. 🤍🤍 Hugs mama.
I wish I could hug you. I think as women we hold so much in with everything we are going through because we think either not me or I can handle it. But we also forget that sometimes as women its okay to just collapse, rest, reset, and get back up. 🫂
I was diagnosed with GD about 3 weeks ago and I’m currently 31 weeks pregnant now. Hx of pcos, and other risk factors. I’m an OT in the nicu (so familiar with seeing large babies, I’m already a bit paranoid, etc). At first I felt guilty, devestated too. Although it’s challenging (with craving and the holidays),it’s been a great learning experience. I learned about many different “substitutes” that control my sugar, but still allow me to enjoy a few things. Things that helped me : 1) I took a gd diabetes class offered at my hospital, and received a personalized meal plan 2) I joined fb support groups 3) I seek out alternative recipes, etc I’m using things like monkfruit instead of sugar, make tea /fruit infused drinks, walk more I see a high risk ob as well as my main ob (so get more ultrasounds, which always helped me feel more relieved). I felt very alone too at first, but in my class and on support groups see there are so many of us trying to defeat this. I love all your videos Dr. Ali. And appreciate you.
I’m also a physician who was diagnosed with GD during my pregnancy. I can definitely relate! I cried because the pregnancy had been going well, I was worried about how my baby would be affected and aside from a family history of diabetes, didn’t have risk factors. I came to accept it and like you did all the research I could to figure out how to best manage it. tried to control with diet alone but ended up needing insulin at night to control those fasting sugars. Fasting sugars can be really hard to control so don’t beat yourself over it if you are not able to control with diet alone as your pregnancy progresses. Mine ended up being controlled with diet and insulin and my baby was born a normal healthy weight. Wishing you the best in your journey. You will get through. One good thing is that you learn how to eat very healthy and GD sets you on a path of healthier eating going forward.
It means so much to hear this! I obviously know all the risks etc etc but it’s so different being on the physician side (being the patient is so hard! lol) but your comment reminds me to show myself grace and that I’m doing the best that I can for my baby and my health. I am learning so much about food and diet, definitely was a knowledge gap for me before so for that I am so thankful!
I'm a Registered Dietitian who had gestational diabetes with my pregnancy and I was devastated! I had worked in the area of gestational diabetes but living it was a whole different experience! It was scary and hard and definitely took an emotional toll, however I will say I learned so much, became a WAY better health care provider, and by the grace of God my son was a beautiful, perfect, healthy baby boy ❤️.
I also learned its a running joke in the RD community that so many of us end up with GD so we can practice what we preach! Humbling for sure! Haha
Praying for a beautiful journey of learning and a healthy, happy baby and mama!
Omg doctor I am diagnosed also at 14 weeks and boy I was crying. This is a reality for me now ! I’m happy to be in this journey with you
You are not alone, I had GD last year too and I have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. You didn’t do anything wrong, it’s ALL the placenta. I highly recommend Lily Nichols’s book real food for gestational diabetes, and the one for pregnancy in general, they are both fantastic resources with lots of meal ideas! I ended up on Metformin by the end, and my baby was 6lbs 9oz and passed all of his blood sugar checks with flying colors. It’s all going to be ok!
I am an RN and when I started getting high BP during both of my pregnancies it made me feel all the same feelings. It was ultimately from pre e but still makes you feel like you did something to cause it. I’m sorry for your diagnosis. I think God is putting you through all of these pregnancy complications you’ve gone through to help you relate to your patients as an MD❤ a doctor who can relate to their patients is a good doctor.
I had GD for my first pregnancy and it was very stressful/overwhelming at first. Hardest part was that life and other people don't always cooperate with your new requirements and schedule (time for testing, eating right, staying active, etc.) and the pressure to do all the things is so high. Being able to commiserate with other moms going through the same thing was the most helpful, so you're awesome for making this video. Once it was over though, I was very grateful to have established much more healthy routines and diet.
Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing with everyone!
I had it too, was 31 when I was diagnosed. Got the news the day global Covid quarantine began. I felt so overwhelmed and upset, because I tried to do everything right during my pregnancy, but my OBG kept reminding me it wasn't my fault and that sometimes it just happens. You will get through it. Sending you hugs and positive vibes! You and the baby will be ok. ❤️ And it's absolutely okay to be emotional. I kept reminding myself every sacrifice would be worth for the baby. 🤰🏻I would poke myself before every meal, got meds towards the end but it didn't set well. "Perk" was that I hardly gained any weight at all, was just baby weight. Got to have a natural delivery and baby was healthy. 🙏🏻 First thing I said the moment she was out was "I no longer have gestational diabetes!?"
I was diagnosed with GD about 3 weeks ago and I’m currently 31 weeks pregnant now. Hx of pcos, and other risk factors. I’m an OT in the nicu (so familiar with seeing large babies, I’m already a bit paranoid, etc). At first I felt guilty, devestated too. Although it’s challenging (with craving and the holidays),it’s been a great learning experience. I learned about many different “substitutes” that control my sugar, but still allow me to enjoy a few things. Things that helped me :
1) I took a gd diabetes class offered at my hospital, and received a personalized meal plan
2) I joined fb support groups
3) I seek out alternative recipes, etc
I’m using things like monkfruit instead of sugar, make tea /fruit infused drinks, walk more
I see a high risk ob as well as my main ob (so get more ultrasounds, which always helped me feel more relieved).
I felt very alone too at first, but in my class and on support groups see there are so many of us trying to defeat this.
I love all your videos Dr. Ali. And appreciate you.
I admire how brave you were explaining GD as you are going through it, thank you very much for this video! ❤
I had it during my pregnancy at 35 and considered myself "healthy" & was in shock when they told me I had it. It was hard especially when my sister was also pregnant & could eat everything.. I had to say no to certain foods/dishes (we're mexican) so I had to many times carry my own food /snacks.. but I learned a lot with the help of my nutritionist ❤ I also had to inject insulin at night.. def hard but i did it for my baby girl.. and now I stayed with those healthy eating habits . Todo va estar bien... ❤
Thank you for sharing this. GD is a new diagnosis for me as well and it is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Figuring it all out is not for the faint of heart and some days are definitely better than others. But I appreciate hearing your story and knowing I am not alone. You’ve been a very valuable resource for me during this pregnancy.
I found out in my first pregnancy at 15 weeks pregnant and it hit me like a truck. I felt extreme guilt. I have had it early diagnosed in all 3 of my pregnancies. I expect it and still have to deal with the mind set that I didn’t do anything. So far for all 3 pregnancies I have been able to control it with diet which I know is an extreme blessing. Walking for 15 minutes after every meal makes a difference for me in helping my numbers.
Congratulations on being pregnant with baby no. 2 :) I'm so sorry for your GD diagnosis, you'll be okay! So will be baby ♥
So sorry you're going through this but thank you so much for sharing! It's going to help many mommas not feel alone in a frustrating, scary diagnosis. Definitely prioritize that beautiful baby girl! Another video can wait :)
I left a comment but it kept saying error so hopefully there aren’t two comments. U r not alone either. I cried for my baby the first day. I’m an RDH & my dad passed away from type2d/ESRD right before I found out I was pregnant so that freaked me out too. I’m also latina & I’m high risk due to my age 36…etc. I’m glad u made a video that I can relate to. I wasn’t finding any YT videos that discussed the nitty gritty, the science, reality, personal experience, etc. There are mostly vloggers talking about taking the glucola test & passing it or a day in the life of what they eat with GD. Bc of my profession, I’m sure I overthink about so many things that GD can do & lead to. I’m supposed to start insulin but having insurance/ob issues. Good luck & looking forward to following your journey.
I have had GD now twice, my biggest recommendation for you as well as your patients is see if your insurance will cover a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) it makes monitoring sugars SO much easier. Then also just try and get as much protein in as you can with each meal and eat your proteins and fats before the carbs if possible!
GD is hard, my second time around I was willing to push the limits and try different things. It’s also wild because some things that should totally cause your sugar to spike and you would expect them to take longer to come down, don’t. Then things you don’t expect to do that, do.
Easier said then done but just give yourself grace, know that you are doing everything you can and this is just the fault of the hormones from the placenta.
I was induced at 37 weeks 2 days and 37 weeks and 1 day because I was doing everything except insulin and just couldn’t get my sugars cooperate. Healthy babies and my sugars went down within literally hours of delivering the placenta.
Oh another way of explaining GD that was really helpful for me is the hormones from the placenta are interfering with your bodies ability to absorb and use the insulin that it’s making. It’s like the hormones are playing fruit ninja and blocking the blood cells from getting the insulin.
Good luck! You’re not alone but damn it it really can feel like it. 🫶🏻
Oh some helpful foods, built bars, fairlife protein shakes (any protein shake with low net carbs), cheese sticks, nuts, carrots w/ hummus and meats (watch out with jerky, some have a lot of sugar).
37 weeks and a few days here. Got diagnosed back in 28 and will be induced in 2 weeks. After all this time, it's still stressful. Extra difficult, too, since I'm a vegetarian and seem to crave all the sweets now. Baby seems to be ok so far and measuring normal in ultrasounds though, so that's one thing that cheers me up.
I had GD with both my pregnancies. The mental toll is no joke. I could have easily filmed the same exact video with the same emotions you are going through. The loneliness, shame, guilt… All of it! I almost did not want to eat at all because the list of what I could have was so narrow. Both my babies were born healthy but I still get emotional thinking back. You are not alone… You will get through it and you are helping hundreds of other moms with GD by making this video ❤
EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK DR. ALI!
Thanks for vids like this, I didn’t even know this was a possibility and it’s helpful to learn
I also had GD and all the risk factors to have as well. My father had diabetes, I was older than 25, Hispanic, all the things. I freaked out when I was diagnosed and felt like my dr wasn’t answering my concerns in a way that comforted me. I may have freaked out a bit much, but I was scared. Fortunately my coworkers at the time included a Dr and she was a friend of mine and told me I could see a mfm if needed. I took that route and my ob told me I’d likely be put on insulin. I was but that was ok and I was able to have a healthy baby. Hugs to you. Praying for a healthy baby. ❤
I'm so sorry, Ali!! You are not alone. I just want you to know there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that medication for diabetes can be life changing (along with diet, exercise etc.) I've never been pregnant, but I was just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few months ago. I didn't realize I had any risk factors other than being South Asian, because I wasn't overweight. And I hate to use your TH-cam channel as a place to vent, but the process of getting diagnosed was an absolute nightmare. For more than ten years I had absolutely crushing fatigue, such extreme thirst that I kept developing dangerously low sodium, all kinds of constant skin infections, and very frequent viral infections, like severe flulike and viral gastroenteritis symptoms every two or three weeks to a month or so. I have a few other chronic conditions, so I assumed those symptoms were just either part of being generally unwell, or symptoms of a new biologic that I'm taking. But I decided to seek medical care for these symptoms over the summer, and it did not go well. I had three different skin infections at the time, and my dermatologist was booked out for a year, so I found another dermatologist. The new dermatologist accused me of having Munchausen's when I asked if my skin infections could be related to pre-diabetes. She also accused me of "jumping from provider to provider" just because I switched from my previous derm who was booked out for a year. This woman referred me to psychiatry, and incorrectly told me my skin infections were just eczema and inflamed keratosis pilaris. She said she wouldn't see me again until I saw a particular psychiatrist. The psychiatrist happened to be best friends with that dermatologist. There was a picture of the two of them together in his office, and he called her by her first name. The psychiatrist quite literally said, "you have no risk factors. The type diabetes is in your mind." And two days later I was diagnosed by my primary care physician with type 2 diabetes. I then found out I also had untreated sleep apnea, which was a risk factor I didn't know I had. Now I have a Munchausen's diagnosis in my chart, too. And the psychiatrist claimed that wasn't his diagnosis, even though I can see it in the visit note on MyChart. It's been hell, but I am just glad I advocated for myself. Because I feel SO much better on metformin than I ever thought I could.
Back in 2020 I was in my first pregnancy and ended up diagnosed with GD. I had never heard of this before, I was so sad, mad & scared with dealing with covid on top of everything it was a hard year and like having to have a special diet when all you want is to give in to the cravings lol that was Hard! I ended up having to get insulin every night and ended up having baby by cesarean. One positive was that I had to get ultrasounds every week so I got to see baby a lot more than normal pregnancies!
But then for my second pregnancy I didn’t pass first test but did pass the three hr one and I was sooo relieved.
As a mom who is 29 weeks with my second and has GD for the second time. I can honestly say it is rough I had a few risk factors with both pregnancy AMA and my father was a type 2 diabetic.
It took a lot of trial and error but I was able to stay diet controlled with my first and we are 4 weeks in from my diagnosis with my second so far doing alright. I will say and this was just my experience even though I was diet controlled my daughter was born with a very low blood sugar luckily no NICU stay she was able to regulate within the 12 hour window right after her birth thank God for that. But I will say the whole experience is hard and scary and you are for sure not alone. I also think everything you are feeling is 100% normal and maybe amplified a little bit because you are a provider and know so much more going into it. Just take it a day at a time one blood test at a time and don't be like me a freak out when you have a high sugar after eating something you didn't think would trigger your sugar but you found out it does for me that is potatoes I can not have potatoes in any way shape form or amount.
Here's to keeping our sugars under control and beautiful perfect babies come the end of winter ❤️☺️
Oh sweety I giggled wen u said this is embarrassing wen u started crying because it was so cute. I cry often so don’t worry no judgement here❤
Hi Dr. A, I was diagnosed with GD in my last 2 pregnancies. Everything was fine, thank goodness. They were both 7lbs, and passed their tests perfectly. I encourage you to look up Lily Nichols work. I followed a high protein/low carb diet and exercised after every meal.
Big warm hugs and well wishes to you. You got this!
I am so sorry. I had gd in my pregnancy in 2022. I was devastated! I am 5' 2" and was 90 pounds pre-pregnancy and I have an extremely active job. I was so so thankful to be diet controlled and was induced at 39 weeks and 6 days. I gave birth to her.
Is induction necessary for GD? I hear so many people with it get induced and I wonder if it is just standard protocol or if there are risks if you go at or over your due date
You are so allowed to be emotional ❤
I wish I could give you a hug. I was so emotional when I got diagnosed too. I went from diagnosis to insulin regimen in 72 hrs. My questions is if you are pre-diabetic pre pregnancy, are treated as diabetic during pregnancy regardless
I had GD with my second baby 😢 I was so sad but I managed with diet and exercise my biggest worries was baby being too big and luckily she was perfect 7lb! It is very hard but definitely a well worth sacrifice for a healthy mom and baby.
So I had this with my last two pregnancies baby #5 and #6. With #5 I felt like I failed him and it was just so stressful he was also my Covid baby so just everything was stressful. But #6 I just knew I was going to have it and I hated it but the best thing I did and my best advice is meal prep. I would meal prep about 4 days at once all my 3 main meals and I need my snacks I would eat and my numbers were very well when I did that. If I didn’t have my meal planed for a day my numbers would be bad. And I would do a mile walk after 30mins from eating my meals.
Warm hugs from a dr too❤
Man gestational diabetes was always something I feared to be diagnosed with.
I have some risk factors (high BMI, Latina,etc) so they make me take it at 12 weeks.
With my first they had me take it at 12 weeks and I passed, so I didn't have to take it again. But when I switched providers they insisted I take it because I was considered overweight, I'm Latina and because it was my first baby. I declined it. They tried to tell me I probably did have GD because my son was 10lbs, even though I passed the test. But my home birth midwife said lol no you didn't your son was a solid baby and not a Marshmallow looking baby, he was probably that weight because you ate a lot of protein based foods which was important to his growth and development."
This time around I failed the 1 hr but I passed the 3 hr, so no gestational diabetes again. The test was the worst. I don't eat a ton of sugar (cookies, juice, soda, etc. I normally don't have dessert unless we're with friends which is not often) so my body doesn't handle sugar very well. It definitely didn't handle it very well at the 3 hr. I was praying I wouldn't puke or pass out because I'm also hypoglycemic (but not diabetic) so it was hard sitting there for 3 hours without eating.
❤
Aww mama I wanna give you a big hug 🤍 I had GD with my first but not with my second, it’s a really emotional ride that’s for sure! You’re allowed to feel all the feelings! My baby was born completely healthy and peachy (my second comes earth-side in a few weeks lol they’re also very healthy) I also did not go on to develop type 2, hang in there 🤍
I wish this video was here last year, because i could have used it.
Ugh, i want to wrap my arms around you. All these feelings are valid. 🤍🤍 Hugs mama.
I wish I could hug you. I think as women we hold so much in with everything we are going through because we think either not me or I can handle it. But we also forget that sometimes as women its okay to just collapse, rest, reset, and get back up. 🫂
I was diagnosed with GD about 3 weeks ago and I’m currently 31 weeks pregnant now. Hx of pcos, and other risk factors. I’m an OT in the nicu (so familiar with seeing large babies, I’m already a bit paranoid, etc). At first I felt guilty, devestated too. Although it’s challenging (with craving and the holidays),it’s been a great learning experience. I learned about many different “substitutes” that control my sugar, but still allow me to enjoy a few things. Things that helped me :
1) I took a gd diabetes class offered at my hospital, and received a personalized meal plan
2) I joined fb support groups
3) I seek out alternative recipes, etc
I’m using things like monkfruit instead of sugar, make tea /fruit infused drinks, walk more
I see a high risk ob as well as my main ob (so get more ultrasounds, which always helped me feel more relieved).
I felt very alone too at first, but in my class and on support groups see there are so many of us trying to defeat this.
I love all your videos Dr. Ali. And appreciate you.