Medication
Women with gestational diabetes should try to eat nutritious, protein-rich foods, such as:
- fish, chicken, and turkey
- eggs
- tofu
- beans
- nuts
- seeds
- quinoa
- legumes
Self-care
“As OB-GYNs, we have long known that women with gestational diabetes have a significant risk ... as soon as you can,” she said. Should you be diagnosed, Lubetkin said, ask your OB-GYN to do follow-up testing and give you guidance.
Nutrition
- Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week. ...
- Don’t skip meals. To regulate your blood sugar levels, aim to eat a healthy snack or meal every 3 hours or so. ...
- Take your prenatal vitamins, including any probiotics, if they’re recommended by your doctor.
- See your doctor as often as they recommend — they want you healthy.
What to eat to manage gestational diabetes?
Tips On How To Treat Gestational Diabetes Naturally – 7 Best Treatments:
- Scheduling Your Diet: Eating irregularly schedule is the main cause of all forms of diabetes. ...
- Eating Simple Breakfast: You should have simple breakfast with a few variations. The blood sugar naturally grows up in the morning.
- Doing Exercise: To prevent an inactive life and unhealthy weight gain, pregnant women should do soft regular exercise.
What to do if you have gestational diabetes?
How often should I eat if I have gestational diabetes?
How to treat gestational diabetes naturally?
See more
What is the best treatment for gestational diabetes?
Insulin injections are the standard medication for gestational diabetes. Your doctor may prescribe a fast-acting insulin that you take before a meal, or an intermediate- or long-acting (basal) insulin that you take at bedtime or upon waking.
Can you get rid of gestational diabetes during pregnancy?
Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes usually goes away on its own and soon after delivery blood sugar levels return to normal, says Dr. Tania Esakoff, clinical director of the Prenatal Diagnosis Center. "There is no need for gestational diabetes to take away from the joys of pregnancy."
What is the first line treatment for gestational diabetes?
Insulin is the first-line pharmacologic therapy for gestational diabetes. Most insulin regimens include intermediate-acting insulins, such as isophane (NPH), and short-acting insulins, such as regular recombinant (Humulin R) and the insulin analogues aspart (Novolog) and lispro (Humalog).
What does gestational diabetes do to the baby?
If untreated, gestational diabetes can cause problems for your baby, such as premature birth and stillbirth. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby's born; but if you have it, you're more likely to develop diabetes later in life.
What are the warning signs of gestational diabetes?
Warning Signs of Gestational DiabetesSugar in the urine.Unusual thirst.Frequent urination.Fatigue.Nausea.Blurred vision.Vaginal, bladder and skin infections.
What should I avoid eating with gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes dietPlenty of whole fruits and vegetables.Moderate amounts of lean proteins and healthy fats.Moderate amounts of whole grains, such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice, plus starchy vegetables, such as corn and peas.Fewer foods that have a lot of sugar, such as soft drinks, fruit juices, and pastries.
How quickly does gestational diabetes go away?
If insulin is ordered by your doctor, take it as directed in order to help keep blood sugar under control. Get tested for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after your baby is born, and then every 1 to 3 years. For most women with gestational diabetes, the diabetes goes away soon after delivery.
At what point do you need insulin with gestational diabetes?
Therefore, insulin therapy traditionally has been started when capillary blood glucose levels exceed 105 mg per dL (5.8 mmol per L) in the fasting state and 120 mg per dL (6.7 mmol per L) two hours after meals.
What happens if you test positive for gestational diabetes?
If you have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, generally your blood sugar returns to its usual level soon after delivery. But if you've had gestational diabetes, you have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. You'll need to be tested for changes in blood sugar more often.
Can drinking water help gestational diabetes?
As water contains no carbohydrate or calories, it is the perfect drink for pregnant women. Studies have also shown that drinking water could help control glucose levels. Drink a large glass of water with every meal and another glass in between meals. "Water was key to keeping my glucose levels stable.
What is the main cause of gestational diabetes?
What Causes Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can't make enough insulin during your pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that acts like a key to let blood sugar into the cells in your body for use as energy.
Is normal delivery possible with gestational diabetes?
You should be able to. Having gestational diabetes (GD) doesn't necessarily mean that you can't have your baby vaginally. You've got a better chance of having a birth without any interventions, such as induction or caesarean section, if you can keep your blood sugar levels stable during pregnancy.
How to treat gestational diabetes?
Treatment. Treatment for gestational diabetes includes: Lifestyle changes. Blood sugar monitoring. Medication, if necessary. Managing your blood sugar levels helps keep you and your baby healthy. Close management can also help you avoid complications during pregnancy and delivery.
What to do when you have a gestational diabetes appointment?
What you can do. Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make your appointment, ask if you need to fast for lab tests or do anything else to prepare for diagnostic tests. Write down symptoms you're having, including those that may seem unrelated to gestational diabetes.
How often should gestational diabetes be checked?
This test is similar to the initial test — except the sweet solution will have even more sugar and your blood sugar will be checked every hour for three hours. If at least two of the blood sugar readings are higher than expected, you'll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
What to do if your diabetes test indicates type 2 diabetes?
If future tests indicate type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, talk with your doctor about increasing your prevention efforts or starting a diabetes management plan.
How to help a baby with diabetes?
But the steps that will help control your blood sugar level — such as eating healthy foods and exercising regularly — can help relieve stress , nourish your baby and help prevent type 2 diabetes in the future.
How to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range?
Lifestyle changes. Your lifestyle — how you eat and move — is an important part of keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Doctors don't advise losing weight during pregnancy — your body is working hard to support your growing baby.
How to help a pregnant woman with back pain?
Regular physical activity plays a key role in every woman's wellness plan before, during and after pregnancy. Exercise lowers your blood sugar, and as an added bonus, regular exercise can help relieve some common discomforts of pregnancy, including back pain, muscle cramps, swelling, constipation and trouble sleeping.
How can I manage my gestational diabetes?
Many women with gestational diabetes can manage their blood glucose levels by following a healthy eating plan and being physically active. Some women also may need diabetes medicine.
What is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases?
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
How to get blood glucose levels up?
Be physically active. Physical activity can help you reach your target blood glucose levels. If your blood pressure or cholesterol levels are too high, being physically active can help you reach healthy levels. Physical activity can also relieve stress, strengthen your heart and bones, improve muscle strength, and keep your joints flexible.
How to keep blood glucose levels in target range?
The plan will help you know which foods to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat. Food choices, amounts, and timing are all important in keeping your blood glucose levels in your target range.
Why is it important to be tested for gestational diabetes?
It’s important to be tested for gestational diabetes so you can begin treatment to protect your health and your baby’s health.
What Causes Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can’t make enough insulin during your pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that acts like a key to let blood sugar into the cells in your body for use as energy.
How to get rid of diabetes?
Eating healthy food in the right amounts at the right times. Follow a healthy eating plan created by your doctor or dietitian. Being active. Regular physical activity that’s moderately intense (such as brisk walking) lowers your blood sugar and makes you more sensitive to insulin so your body won’t need as much.
How many women with gestational diabetes have type 2 diabetes?
About 50% of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes, but there are steps you can take to prevent it. Talk to your doctor about how to lower your risk and how often to have your blood sugar checked to make sure you’re on track.
When does blood sugar go back to normal after birth?
Your blood sugar levels will usually return to normal after your baby is born. However, about 50% of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. You can lower your risk by reaching a healthy body weight after delivery. Visit your doctor to have your blood sugar tested 6 to 12 weeks after your baby is born ...
What to do if your baby is not eating enough?
If healthy eating and being active aren’t enough to manage your blood sugar, your doctor may prescribe insulin, metformin, or other medication.
Does gestational diabetes increase blood pressure?
Having gestational diabetes can increase your risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy. It can also increase your risk of having a large baby that needs to be delivered by cesarean section (C-section).
What happens if you have gestational diabetes?
If you have gestational diabetes, you'll need to get your blood sugar under control, and keep it that way, to protect your health and your baby's. You’ll have to make some lifestyle changes for that to happen.
What to do if your baby's sugar is high?
Take Medication. If your blood sugar remains high despite these changes, the doctor may prescribe diabetes pills to keep it in check and protect your baby. If they don’t do the job, the next step may be insulin injections. Continued. Chart Your Baby’s Growth.
What can a dietitian teach you?
The dietitian can teach you how to balance your diet. They’ll probably suggest you get:
How long after delivery should blood sugar be checked?
After delivery, the doctor will check to make sure your blood sugar levels have returned to normal. You'll need to have your levels rechecked about 6 weeks after delivery, and then yearly after that.
Can gestational diabetes cause a vaginal delivery?
While most women with gestational diabetes are able to have a normal labor and vaginal delivery, some doctors prefer to deliver the baby earlier than the due date. Yours may suggest a cesarean section if the baby grows too large.
What is gestational diabetes mellitus?
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition in which a hormone made by the placenta prevents the body from using insulin effectively. Glucose builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed by the cells.
What are the risks factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus?
Although any woman can develop GDM during pregnancy, some of the factors that may increase the risk include the following:
What happens to the pancreas as the placenta grows?
As the placenta grows, more of these hormones are produced, and the risk of insulin resistance becomes greater. Normally, the pancreas is able to make additional insulin to overcome insulin resistance, but when the production of insulin is not enough to overcome the effect of the placental hormones, gestational diabetes results.
What age is at a greater risk for gestational diabetes than younger women?
Age (women who are older than 25 are at a greater risk for developing gestational diabetes than younger women)
What hormones are produced by the placenta?
Some of these hormones (estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen) can have a blocking effect on insulin. This is called contra-insulin effect, which usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy.
When does insulin resistance occur in the placenta?
The insulin resistance from the contra-insulin hormones produced by the placenta does not usually occur until approximately the 24th week. Women with gestational diabetes mellitus generally have normal blood sugar levels during the critical first trimester. The complications of GDM are usually manageable and preventable.
Why is insulin given during labor?
Insulin may be given to keep the mother's blood sugar in a normal range to prevent the baby's blood sugar from dropping excessively after delivery.
What causes gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. A genetic predisposition has been suggested because the condition tends to run in families. 3
Why does gestational diabetes occur?
Causes. Gestational diabetes occurs when a pregnant person’s blood sugar (glucose) levels get too high (hyperglycemia). Multiple factors, including genetics and changes in the body that are unique to pregnancy, contribute to the development of the condition. What Your Blood Sugar Levels Mean.
What is it called when your glucose levels increase during pregnancy?
While there are some risk factors that make gestational diabetes more likely, it can also occur in pregnant people with no risk factors.
How long does it take for insulin to be produced during pregnancy?
Insulin resistance usually happens around 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy, which is why screenings for gestational diabetes occur at this time. The pancreas will generally produce more insulin to compensate for hormonal insulin resistance, but some pregnant people’s bodies cannot keep up with insulin production.
How many times is blood taken for gestational diabetes?
Your blood will be taken three times—at one, two, and three hours after you finish the drink. If two or more of your results meet or exceed the thresholds in the reference range (see the table below), you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. 5.
What can a registered dietitian do for diabetes?
It will also help if you can work with a registered dietitian or certified diabetes care and education specialist. They can teach you about diabetes self-management, including meal planning, blood sugar testing, and medication management (if needed).
Does gestational diabetes have symptoms?
Gestational diabetes generally does not have any symptoms. If a person does have symptoms, they are usually mild and similar to those experienced by people with other forms of diabetes. 2. If you have gestational diabetes, you may: Feel more hungry and/or thirsty than usual. Need to urinate more frequently.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Coping and Support
Specialist to consult
Preparing For Your Appointment