Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses distinct psychosocial challenges that differ from other types of diabetes due to its sudden onset and transient nature. The condition may lead to several complications for both the mother and the fetus, thereby amplifying the inherent stressors of pregnancy. These increased demands and the necessity for heightened self-regulation place a substantial psychological burden on expectant mothers, influencing their emotional well-being and daily functioning. The present study aimed to explore the subjective experience of diabetes-related distress among women diagnosed with GDM. Specifically, it examined how health empowerment, motivation for healthy eating, body responsiveness, and meaning in life predict different facets of diabetes distress within this population. A total of 124 women with GDM (M_age = 31.4, SD = 4.39, 21 – 42 years) completed an online self-report questionnaire. Results indicated that Emotional Burden was the most pronounced among the four dimensions of diabetes distress. Body responsiveness and health empowerment emerged as the strongest predictors across all facets, with higher levels of both associated with lower distress. Introjected regulation for healthy eating increased Regimen Distress, whereas amotivation exacerbated Interpersonal Distress and external regulation mitigated it. Meaning in life did not contribute significantly to any of the predictive models. The lived experience of GDM is characterized by elevated emotional vulnerability and complex behavioral demands. Enhancing autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and body responsiveness may reduce diabetes distress and improve psychological adaptation during pregnancy.