Jean Smart, the acclaimed star of the series “Hacks,” recently opened up about her harrowing experience during pregnancy while managing type 1 diabetes. While appearing on Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s podcast, “Wiser Than Me,” the 74-year-old actress revealed that one of her doctors advised her to consider terminating the pregnancy due to the potential health risks associated with her condition.
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Smart recounted the fear she felt upon learning of her pregnancy, which was unexpected and unplanned. “First of all, I was terrified because I’m a type 1 diabetic,” she explained. The recommendation from her physician was alarming, especially as it seemed to suggest a not possible course of action. “He almost stopped speaking to me because that’s a big no-no if you’re diabetic,” she said, sharing that the doctor’s reaction was one of panic.
The situation escalated when her doctor painted a bleak picture of the possible consequences for both mother and child. According to Smart, she was warned about severe complications, including the potential for her baby to develop heart issues, and for her, the risk of going blind or suffering kidney failure. This frightening prognosis left her shaken, prompting her to reflect on the implications of having uncertain blood sugar levels during early pregnancy.
During her conversation with Louis-Dreyfus, the actress revealed the emotional turmoil she experienced. “You know, you think, ‘Oh my God, what has happened to this poor kid in the time I didn’t know I was pregnant?'” she said, illustrating the disturbing thoughts that raced through her mind as she grappled with her diagnosis.
To navigate this challenging period, Smart was referred to a specialist in diabetic pregnancies at a clinic in Santa Barbara. However, the advice she received there was sobering. The specialist suggested that Smart should “start over,” which was understood to mean terminating the pregnancy. Nevertheless, this was not an option Smart was willing to consider. “It just was not something that I… it’s just not an option for me,” she stated firmly, reflecting the determination that would guide her throughout her pregnancy.
The experience took an emotional toll on Smart, who vividly remembered her reaction after the appointment. “All I remember was that I don’t remember leaving that room. My poor husband. All I remember is the next thing I knew, literally, was pacing outside the clinic, screaming at the top of my lungs,” she recounted.
In the face of such adversity, Smart found strength from a newfound source of support. “I had to become the poster child for pregnant diabetics,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the specialist who became her guiding light throughout her pregnancy. Smart credited this doctor with holding her hand every step of the way, stating that she was in touch daily for advice and encouragement.
The American Diabetes Association affirms that it is indeed possible for women with diabetes to have healthy pregnancies and children, provided they adhere to proper management of their condition. They recommend focusing on healthy eating, regular physical activity, and diligent blood sugar monitoring.
Today, Smart is a mother to two sons, Connor and Forrest, whom she shares with her late husband, Richard Gilliland, who passed away in 2021. Her journey through pregnancy with type 1 diabetes serves as an inspirational testament to resilience and the pursuit of motherhood, even in the face of significant health challenges.