1. Pass the Test
Women with gestational diabetes, also known as gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM, need to check their blood sugar levels several times a day. This involves pricking the fingertip and squeezing out a drop of blood onto a special testing strip, which is then placed into a machine that reads your glucose, or blood sugar, level. This test is done at home, but is also done at your prenatal appointments after a gestational diabetes diagnosis. If your glucose levels are too high, you need to adjust your diet and possibly take insulin to bring them down.
2. Eat Right
Gestational diabetes is almost entirely controlled by diet. Women who have been diagnosed should avoid sugar and and control their intake of carbohydrates until they give birth. Eating five times a day, typically three small meals and two snacks, is recommended to ensure your baby receives adequate glucose while avoiding overloading your pancreas. Most women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes are referred to a dietitian to help them plan their meals. Your specific diet plan depends on your pre-pregnancy weight, the amount of weight you've gained during pregnancy, your activity level and your glucose levels. It's important to gain only a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy, especially if you have gestational diabetes.
3. Get Physical
Blood sugar levels can be controlled with exercise. Your physician might recommend increasing your activity level if you've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Never begin an exercise program during pregnancy without first consulting your doctor. When exercising, make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can bring on contractions. Avoid exercising in warm temperatures and take a break if you're feeling overheated. Wear comfortable, loose clothing to help prevent overheating. Keep your workouts at an intensity level that's comfortable. If you can't easily carry on a conversation, you're doing too much.
4. When All Else Fails
If your gestation diabetes can't be controlled with diet and exercise, you doctor will likely prescribe insulin injections. The prescribed insulin compensates for the amount of insulin the pancreas is failing to make on its own. Taking insulin is considered safe during pregnancy. The amount of insulin is based on the mother's age, weight and how far along she is in her pregnancy. The amount of insulin that's needed must be adjusted as those factors change. Some people develop a resistance to insulin, and the dosage will need to be increased.
