Popular podcast host Alex Cooper has recently opened up about her struggles with gestational diabetes during her first pregnancy, revealing the emotional and physical challenges she has faced since her diagnosis. Cooper, known for her widely acclaimed show “Call Her Daddy”, shared her condition with her audience on social media, expressing her vulnerability and concerns.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/alex-cooper-1-061026-0a41fc88aff940fd99aeb3a0b9469cbf.jpg)
In her Instagram Stories, Cooper, 31, candidly discussed the difficulties she has been experiencing, stating that her fear of needles has compounded the challenge of managing her blood sugar levels. “My fingers hurt from the amount of times I keep having to draw blood for this preg diabetes,” she wrote, highlighting the ongoing nature of her condition. She went on to admit, “I’m struggling ngl and no I don’t wanna put the one in my arm permanently I’m too scared 😭,” referring to continuous glucose monitors that could alleviate her fear of repeated finger pricks.
As an individual who has previously struggled with her fear of needles, Cooper shared a personal anecdote to illustrate the intensity of her phobia. She recalled an episode from her youth when she was unable to get her ears pierced due to her anxiety over needles, stating, “I would just faint” as the piercing specialist approached with the equipment. In spite of her apprehension, Cooper took a moment to check her blood sugar on camera, revealing that her levels were, fortunately, within the desired range.
Cooper announced her pregnancy through her Instagram account back in May, sharing her excitement alongside husband Matt Kaplan, 42. Recent social media updates, however, have shown a different side to her pregnancy journey following the gestational diabetes diagnosis, which she revealed in a post dated July 30. “I’m not gonna cry on the internet because I’ve never cried on the internet, but when I tell you, I almost did,” she conveyed, expressing the emotional weight of her news.
Gestational diabetes occurs when the body’s insulin is unable to effectively manage sugar levels during pregnancy, often as a result of placental hormones. Cooper explained that, contrary to common misconceptions, the condition can affect anyone, regardless of their previous health habits or weight. “I was told anyone can get this no matter what your prior weight, diet, fitness level — literally anyone is susceptible to getting it,” she stated, reflecting on the realisation that left her feeling overwhelmed.
The diagnosis has taken an emotional toll on Cooper, who described feeling isolated despite having support from family and friends. “When I got this diagnosis, I was really hard on myself and it felt very isolating,” she admitted. “As much as my family and my husband and everyone was there for me, I just felt like it’s me on an island.” Cooper highlighted the emotional complexities of pregnancy, suggesting that the additional stress stemming from her diagnosis only compounded existing worries about motherhood.
In her search for guidance and reassurance, Cooper has found solace in engaging with others who have had similar experiences. “Reading people’s experiences has been the most helpful so far,” she noted in her posts. Although the challenges associated with gestational diabetes can feel disheartening, she has resolved to remain hopeful and proactive, stating, “I think it’s a really defeating feeling, but I’m trying to not let myself get defeated.”
As Cooper continues her journey through pregnancy, her candid sharing serves to highlight not only the physical changes that accompany this phase of life but also the emotional hurdles that many expectant mothers face. Her openness about dealing with gestational diabetes sheds light on the condition and encourages others in similar situations to seek support from their communities. With her due date approaching, many fans will undoubtedly be by her side, rooting for her as she navigates this challenging yet transformative chapter in her life.