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Most women who have gestational diabetes give birth to healthy babies. You are the most important person in promoting a healthy pregnancy. Often, gestational diabetes can be successfully treated with just a specific type of diet. If you are diagnosed with this condition, your healthcare provider will work with you to create an appropriate diet to maintain normal blood glucose levels or he or she might refer you to a registered dietitian.
Treatment for gestational diabetes involves making healthy choices. The lifestyle changes you make now will help you have a healthy pregnancy and prevent diabetes in the future. As you start making these changes, you will learn more about your body and how it reacts to food and exercise. You may also notice that you feel better and have more energy
Getting regular exercise. Try to do at least 2½ hours a week of moderate exercise. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. It’s fine to be active in blocks of 10 minutes or more throughout your day and week. If you have never exercised regularly or were not exercising before you became pregnant, talk with your doctor before you start exercising. You may also want to try special exercise classes for pregnant women. Checking blood sugar levels. An important part of treating gestational diabetes is checking your blood sugar level at home e very day one or more times. It may be overwhelming to test your blood sugar so often. But knowing that your level is within a target range can help put your mind at ease. Eating balanced meals. After you find out thatyou have gestational diabetes, you will meet with a registered dietitian to create a healthy eating plan. You will learn how to control your blood sugar. You will learn more about the range of weight gain that is good for you and your baby. Going on a diet during pregnancy is NOT recommended. Taking diabetes medicine and insulin shots. The first way to treat gestational diabetes is by changing the way you eat and exercising regularly. If your blood sugar levels are too high, you may need diabetes medicine or insulin shots. If you need insulin, human insulin is prescribed. One dose of long-acting insulin before bed is often sufficient.
If you were diagnosed with gestational diabetes , you were probably relieved to learn that 90 percent of the time, gestational diabetes goes away after you give birth. But there are still some important issues and risks you need to be aware of.
The first few days, weeks, and months after delivery can be a time when you are at risk for both emotional and physical problems. Typically, your blood sugar will be checked several times before you are discharged from the hospital after giving birth, so that you can be sure your gestational diabetes has resolved. Medical management for all women who have had gestational diabetes is very important. In 2 to 3 percent of women, diabetes continues after delivery. All women should have their glucose checked at between six and eight weeks
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