Alex Cooper Opens Up About Struggles With Gestational Diabetes

Alex Cooper is speaking openly about the challenges she has faced since being diagnosed with gestational diabetes during her pregnancy.

The “Call Her Daddy” host, 31, shared on Instagram Stories on Aug. 11 that her fingers were sore from repeatedly checking her blood sugar. Cooper said she has always been afraid of needles and admitted she was struggling with the frequent finger pricks required to manage the condition.

In one video, she demonstrated checking her blood sugar and said she nearly fainted when she tried to get her ears pierced as a child. Her blood sugar reading in the video was normal.

Cooper revealed her gestational diabetes diagnosis on July 30. She explained that the condition can develop when hormones from the placenta cause insulin resistance and stressed that it can affect anyone, regardless of weight, diet or fitness level.

She said the diagnosis initially left her feeling isolated and caused her to be hard on herself. However, Cooper said hearing about other people's experiences has helped her cope and that she is trying not to feel defeated.

Cooper announced her pregnancy with husband Matt Kaplan, 42, on May 17. The couple is expecting their first child.