According to the CDC, up to 10% of all pregnancies in the United States are affected by gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes treatment is specific to each woman, however, there are two things that are included in all gestational diabetes treatment plans: diet and blood sugar monitoring. And they really go hand-in-hand. The monitoring gives you feedback on whether or not your diet is working. If it’s not, you have the chance to make changes to your diet for the next meal and then test again.
After diet and blood sugar monitoring, gestational diabetes treatment plans can include any combination of exercise, oral medication, and injectable medication (insulin). The ultimate goal of a gestational diabetes treatment plan is a healthy mom and healthy baby! The key to gestational diabetes treatment is to maintain blood sugar control. Physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels. If needed, medication can also be used to lower blood sugar levels.
Gestational diabetes treatment is individualized for each woman. But the goal is the same – to maintain good control over blood sugar levels. Maintaining good control over blood sugar levels can hopefully prevent complications, which can include having a large baby (over 9 pounds), increased chance of needing a c-section delivery, pre-term labor and delivery, and the baby having hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after birth.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep a log of what you eat and your blood sugar levels. The log will help you spot trends and patterns. And it allows you to make changes to your diet based on previous blood sugar levels. And then quickly see if those changes were helpful. The food & blood sugar log will allow you to see what works for YOU. Your body will tell you if what you’re doing is working. You just have to listen.
