Just Diagnosed With Gestational Diabetes?
You don’t have to give up the foods you love, follow a generic nutrition handout, or figure this out alone.
I’ll help you manage your blood sugar with real food and a plan built around your life.
Meet Mel
Mel Spinella, MS, RD, CDCES
Hi, I’m Mel Spinella, MS, RD, CDCES, a registered dietitian and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. The second credential means I have a particular expertise in diabetes care. I primarily work with pregnant women and I built this page because I understand how overwhelming those first days after a GD diagnosis feel: the conflicting advice, that gut-punch feeling like you failed somehow even though you didn’t, the panic about what’s left to eat.
It’s not your fault, and it’s absolutely manageable.
Questions I hear most
Why is my fasting number high, even when I don't eat anything at night?
Your fasting number isn’t always determined by what you eat before bed. It’s largely driven by the placental hormones. A well-paired bedtime snack can help some people, but a high number isn’t necessarily a reflection of something you did wrong.
Do I have to give up carbs completely?
No, and restricting too hard can backfire. The key is portion and pairing: a measured amount of carbs eaten alongside protein, fat, or fiber to help manage a glucose spike.
Does needing insulin mean I failed at managing this with food?
No. GD is driven by the placental hormones, not willpower. Some people are able to manage their blood sugars with diet and lifestyle changes alone, but not everyone can.
The meal plan my OB or hospital gave me doesn't fit my life. Now what?
Generic handouts are a starting point, not a prescription. Your blood sugar response is yours alone, which is exactly why a personalized plan makes the difference a printed sheet can’t.
I'm overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice online. Where do I even start?
That’s exactly why I built 1:1 coaching instead of just posting more content. You need one person untangling this for your body and your life, not fifty more videos telling you different things.
This information is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical or nutrition advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to you.
Why coaching, not just more information
Managing GD isn’t just about food. It’s your schedule, your sleep, your stress, and your specific numbers. That’s not something a free guide or a generic nutrition handout can give you. That’s what coaching is for.
Start where you are
Free Gestational Diabetes Snack Guide
Grab my Gestational Diabetes Snack Guide, a simple framework for building balanced snacks you can use today, no appointment needed.
Gestational Diabetes Nutrition Guide
A more complete guide to eating well with gestational diabetes. A great choice if you want more structure before committing to coaching.
Work With Me 1:1
Personalized coaching built around your numbers, your schedule, and your life, not a generic handout. Apply below to see if it’s a fit.