"Outpatient diabetes service"

Although I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 30 weeks gestation, it was a borderline case—only my fasting glucose levels were slightly elevated, while my post-prandial levels remained well within normal limits. Despite this, I was met with judgmental and dismissive language during my consultations. I was questioned about my exercise habits, with suggestions that I wasn’t doing enough—despite the fact that I was consistently exercising 3 to 4 times per week throughout my pregnancy. I found this approach not only inaccurate but mildly fat-shaming and unhelpful, particularly as my weight gain was on track and my diet was appropriate.

Further, I was placed on insulin for just one day prior to even seeing an endocrinologist. I paid for the medication and resources, only to be told the very next day by the endocrinologist that insulin was unnecessary and that I should have been started on an oral medication instead. This led to multiple appointments that, in hindsight, I found were excessive: three with the diabetes educator, two with the dietician, and two with the endocrinologist.

The time, financial burden, and emotional toll of these unnecessary interventions were significant. I am fortunate to be health literate as a registered nurse, and I do not come from a low socio-economic background. However, I am deeply concerned about how this experience might have affected someone without the same resources, knowledge, or confidence to advocate for themselves.

That said, I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank the team in the birth suite and the midwives involved in my labour and delivery. Their care was nothing short of exceptional—supportive, compassionate, and professional. They made my birth experience a truly positive one and I am very grateful for the way they looked after me and my baby.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope this feedback is helpful in prompting reflection and improvements in antenatal gestational diabetes care pathways. I am happy to provide further information or speak with someone directly if needed.