Controlling Gestational Diabetes (Cont.)

 
Insulin
In addition to a meal plan and physical activity, some women with gestational diabetes need insulin to reach their blood glucose targets. If necessary for controlling gestational diabetes, your healthcare team will show you how to give yourself insulin shots. Insulin is not harmful for your baby. It cannot move from your bloodstream to the baby's.
 

Controlling Gestational Diabetes: Maintaining Your Glucose Target

Your healthcare team may ask you to use a device called a blood glucose meter to check your levels on your own. You will be taught:
 
  • How to use the meter
  • What your target range is
  • When to check your blood glucose
  • How to prick your finger to obtain a drop of blood.
     
You may be asked to check your blood glucose:
 
  • When you wake up
  • Just before meals
  • 1 or 2 hours after breakfast
  • 1 or 2 hours after lunch
  • 1 or 2 hours after dinner.
     
The following chart shows blood glucose targets for most women with gestational diabetes. Talk with your healthcare team about whether these targets are right for controlling your gestational diabetes.
 
Blood Glucose Targets for Most Women With Gestational Diabetes
On awakening
Less than 105
1 hour after a meal
Less than 155
2 hours after a meal
Less than 130
 
Each time you check your blood glucose, record the results in a record book. Take the book with you when you visit your healthcare team. If your results are often out of range, your healthcare team will suggest ways you can reach your targets.
 
(Controlling Gestational Diabetes Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD