Controlling Gestational Diabetes

Controlling gestational diabetes means taking steps to keep your blood glucose levels in a target range. Women who are controlling gestational diabetes use meal plans, physical activity, and (in certain cases) insulin. Learning to test blood glucose levels is another aspect of controlling gestational diabetes.

 

Controlling Gestational Diabetes: Treatment Methods

Controlling
 gestational diabetes means taking steps to keep your blood glucose levels in a target range. For controlling gestational diabetes, you will learn how to control your blood glucose using:
 
  • A meal plan
  • Physical activity
  • Insulin (if needed).
     
Meal Plan
Women with gestational diabetes should talk with a dietitian or a diabetes educator who will design a gestational diabetes diet plan to help you choose foods that are healthy for you and your baby.
 
Using a meal plan will help in controlling diabetes. The plan will provide guidelines on:
 
  • Which foods to eat
  • How much to eat
  • When to eat.
     
Choices, amounts, and timing are all important in keeping your blood glucose levels within your target range.
 
You may be advised to:
 
  • Limit sweets
  • Eat three small meals and one to three snacks every day
  • Be careful about when and how much carbohydrate-rich food you eat; your meal plan will tell you when to eat carbohydrates and how much to eat at each meal and snack
  • Include fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain crackers, cereals, and bread in your meals.
     
Physical Activity
Physical activity, such as swimming and walking, can help you in controlling gestational diabetes. Talk with your healthcare team about the type of activity that is best for someone with gestational diabetes. If you are already active, let your healthcare team know what you do.
(Controlling Gestational Diabetes Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD