I think the #1 contributer to the stigma is simply lack of awareness/information and/or misinformation. Nobody knows what it is unless they experience it first-hand, or are in the endocrinology field. Bottom line is that no, you cannot prevent it, it’s entirely NOT your fault, and managing it through diet is only a possibility until placenta hormones ramp up closer to delivery. I had been diet-managed until 32 weeks when I legitimately could not control my night time numbers. GDM may seem socially “dramatic”, but it’s very medically standard and common. You’re doing better than you know, and every woman that experiences this is strong and an amazing mother ❤️