How to Treat Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that is similar in its symptoms and treatment to other forms of diabetes. It occurs when your body is not producing enough insulin to keep up with the increased blood sugar levels that pregnancy causes. It normally disappears after the birth of the baby.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Cookbooks For Diabetics
• Glucose Monitor
• Insulin
• Insulin Syringes
• Lancets
• Test Strips

1. Monitor your blood sugar regularly. Your doctor will probably give you a protocol and it is up to you to stick with it.
2. Work with your physician or nutritionist to figure out a diet geared to your personal needs and tastes. Stay on your diet. It is extremely important for your health and the health of your baby that you eat exactly what's on the diet, in the correct amounts.
3. Speak with your doctor if you are having morning sickness. It can interfere with the stability of your blood sugar.
4. Avoid skipping meals or snacks. Eating six to eight small meals a day is essential to maintaining a stable blood sugar.
5. Gain weight. You need to gain weight, regardless of the weight you were pre-conception. Follow your doctor's instructions for weight gain, which averages 25 to 30 pounds in pregnancy.
6. Follow an exercise program. It will help you regulate your blood sugar. Walking is one of the best exercises to do when pregnant.
7. Take your insulin as directed. Diet and exercise may not be enough to control your blood sugar and you may need to take insulin. Oral diabetic medication has more potential to affect the fetus, so insulin is usually used when medication is required.
8. Keep your doctor's appointments. Prenatal care is important in any pregnancy, but especially when you have gestational diabetes. Insulin doses usually have to be adjusted as your weight and hormone levels change during pregnancy.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a diet with foods you like. Otherwise you may not stick with it.
• If you are overweight, lose weight before conception. Obesity during pregnancy can contribute not only to gestational diabetes, but to other health problems and complications as well.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.