Treatment Methods for Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM, is a type of diabetes that only occurs among women during pregnancy. If you develop diabetes during pregnancy and have never had diabetes before, then you will probably be diagnosed with GDM. Similar to chronic diabetes, women with this condition do not produce enough insulin or the cells in their body cannot process insulin properly. As a result, glucose levels increase in the blood causing high blood sugar.
If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is important to be aware that most women with the condition have healthy pregnancies and that diabetes symptoms are usually alleviated after giving birth. Even so, it is important to take a proactive approach to treating GDM so that you can keep you blood sugar at a healthy level.
Diabetes During Pregnancy
Your doctor will give you a personalized treatment plan depending on your symptoms and your personal health history.
There are several general treatment methods that are commonly advised for women with GDM:
- Monitor your blood sugar – Your doctor will show you how to test your blood sugar levels so that you can keep track of any changes throughout the day. This will allow you to take the necessary steps to make adjustments to your blood sugar levels as needed.
- Perform moderate exercise – Performing regular, moderate exercise on a daily basis will help you to control your blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor about safe exercises.
- Eat healthy – A healthy diet will assist in controlling your blood sugar. In particular, carbohydrates affect blood sugar. Monitoring the amount of carbs in your diet during pregnancy can make a big difference.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Staying within a healthy weight during pregnancy is also key to maintaining proper blood sugar levels.
Some women with GDM require insulin injections in order to lower their blood sugar levels. Be sure to stick with the treatment plan that your doctor advises.
If you have questions about healthy nutrition for women with gestational diabetes, contact your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a dietitian and nutritionist.
