Gestational diabetes Treatment

Gestational Diabetes treatment will vary according to individual circumstances, but can include any or all of the following:

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Your care provider may ask you to check your blood sugar level four to five times a day with a glucose monitor.  During labor, your health care provider will also monitor your blood sugar level.  If it becomes too high, it can place the baby at risk of developing hypoglycemia at birth.

Diet

Diet is one of the best ways to control blood sugar levels. This often means more fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods that are high in nutrition and low in fat and calories and fewer animal products and sweets.  If GD is diet-controlled alone, this essentially negates any increased risks, which makes it worthwhile to see a dietician and maintain the best possible nutritional plan for your height, weight and nutritional needs.

Exercise

Exercise lowers blood sugar levels by using sugar for energy and increasing sensitivity to insulin, which makes the process more efficient.   Exercise also helps prepare the body for birthing and relieves the woes of pregnancy and difficulty sleeping.  Walking, biking, swimming, housework and gardening are all effective, low-impact forms of exercise during pregnancy.

Medication

Medication is the last gestational diabetes treatment option.  If sugars aren't well-controlled, insulin injections, oral medications, or a combination of both may be needed.  Glyburide or a glyburide-metformin combination may be prescribed as an option.

References

Tuffnell DJ, West J, Walkinshaw SA. Treatments for gestational diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003395. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003395.

Boulvain M, Stan C, Irion O. Elective delivery in diabetic pregnant women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD001997. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001997.

Farrar D, Tuffnell DJ, West J. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion versus multiple daily injections of insulin for pregnant women with diabetes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD005542. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005542.pub2.

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Page Last Modified by Catherine Beier, MS, CBE