How to Cope With Gestational Diabetes

Approximately 4 percent of all pregnant women have gestational diabetes. This condition occurs when the body does not produce or use insulin properly which results in an increase in blood glucose levels. Women who have gestational diabetes have not had diabetes prior to becoming pregnant. Gestational diabetes, diagnosed in the late second trimester of pregnancy, can be difficult to deal with. But, if you follow these steps, coping with gestational diabetes can be easier.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Follow the recommendations of your doctor and medical team. When you have gestational diabetes, you will have to follow a specific diet plan, exercise and check your blood sugars. You may even have to take insulin. It is important to stay on top of and follow all of your instructions. Your health and the baby's health depend on it. If you follow the recommendations, coping with your condition will be easier on you.

2. Meet with a dietician. Figuring out how to eat properly when you have gestational diabetes can be difficult and cause a lot of stress. If you are able to meet with a dietician or nutritionist who can help you come up with a new diet plan, your stress will be minimized and you will be able to keep your gestational diabetes under control much more easily. Your dietician will help you figure out a plan that works and you can feel good about.

3. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. If you are worried about how you will manage gestational diabetes or how it will affect your unborn baby, your doctor can help alleviate some of your concerns. Your doctor can answer questions, help put things in perspective for you, reassure you and encourage you during your pregnancy.

4. Join a support group. You can ask your doctor if there are support groups for women with gestational diabetes in your area. Alternatively, you can find support groups on the Internet by doing a search for gestational diabetes support. Talking to other women who are in the same boat as you can be very helpful. You can share tips, encouragement, and hugs (either in person or virtual).

5. Realize that the prognosis for those with gestational diabetes is often good. As long as you listen to your medical team and follow their advice, you will likely have a healthy baby at the end of your pregnancy. While gestational diabetes can be serious, just know that having this condition is not the end of the world.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for books on gestational diabetes. These books outline meal plans, exercise routines and other coping techniques. You can find books on gestational diabetes at your local bookstore, library or online.
• The information in this article is not meant to serve as a substitute for regular medical advice and care. Always ask your doctor if you have concerns about your own health.

Resources

• Get information on gestational diabetes from the American Diabetes Association.