Understanding Is the First Step to Managing Gestational Diabetes
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Managing gestational diabetes is key to supporting both your health and your baby’s development throughout pregnancy. In this blog post, we’ll break down what gestational diabetes is, what causes it, and how simple lifestyle changes and medical guidance can help you navigate this temporary condition with confidence.
At Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, we provide compassionate, expert care to help women navigate pregnancy, including conditions like gestational diabetes. If you need support, book an appointment online or call us at 954-340-1050.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels become elevated during pregnancy. It happens when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate glucose effectively. While it usually resolves after delivery, managing it properly is crucial to prevent complications.
Who is at Risk?
Any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, but risk factors include:
- Being over age 25
- A family history of diabetes
- Being overweight before pregnancy
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- A history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Most women are screened for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy with a glucose test.
The Glucose Test
The glucose test is an essential step in monitoring your blood sugar levels during pregnancy. The test, typically conducted between 24 and 28 weeks, involves drinking a sugary solution followed by a blood draw to assess how your body processes glucose.
If results indicate high blood sugar, a follow-up test may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. While the glucose test is a routine part of prenatal care, it helps ensure both you and your baby stay healthy. If you have concerns about the test or managing gestational diabetes, talk to your obstetrician for personalized guidance.
How to Manage Gestational Diabetes
1. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Your doctor will guide you on how often to check your blood sugar using a glucose monitor. Keeping levels within a healthy range reduces the risk of complications for both mother and baby.
Target Blood Sugar Ranges for Gestational Diabetes:
- Fasting (before eating): Below 95 mg/dL
- One hour after eating: Below 140 mg/dL
- Two hours after eating: Below 120 mg/dL
Tracking your levels helps you understand how different foods and activities affect your glucose.
2. Follow a Balanced Diet
Nutrition plays a key role in managing gestational diabetes. A well-balanced diet helps control blood sugar levels while ensuring you and your baby get the necessary nutrients.
Healthy Eating Tips:
✔ Focus on complex carbohydrates (whole grains, beans, vegetables) rather than refined carbs.
✔ Pair carbohydrates with protein (chicken, eggs, tofu, nuts) to slow sugar absorption.
✔ Eat smaller, frequent meals to prevent spikes in blood sugar.
✔ Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods.
A registered dietitian or your healthcare provider can help create a meal plan tailored to your needs.
3. Stay Active
Regular moderate exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar. Safe activities during pregnancy include:
- Walking (even 15–30 minutes after meals helps control glucose)
- Prenatal yoga
- Swimming
- Stationary cycling
Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Gaining too much weight too quickly can make blood sugar levels more difficult to control. Your doctor will guide you on healthy weight gain recommendations based on your pre-pregnancy weight.
5. Consider Medication if Needed
For some women, diet and exercise alone may not be enough to control gestational diabetes. In these cases, your doctor may recommend:
- Insulin injections (the most common treatment)
- Oral medications (such as metformin, in some cases)
Taking prescribed medication as directed ensures both you and your baby stay healthy.
Potential Complications (and How to Avoid Them)
When well-managed, most women with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies. However, if blood sugar levels remain high, complications may include:
For Baby:
- Excess birth weight – Increasing the risk of delivery complications.
- Low blood sugar at birth – Babies may need monitoring after delivery.
- Higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
For Mother:
- High blood pressure (preeclampsia)
- Increased chance of cesarean delivery
- Higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes postpartum
Regular check-ups, blood sugar monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments significantly reduce these risks.
What Happens After Delivery?
For most women, gestational diabetes goes away after birth. However, it’s essential to follow up with your doctor for postpartum glucose testing. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle beyond pregnancy is important.
Postpartum Tips:
✔ Continue eating a balanced diet.
✔ Stay active to help regulate blood sugar.
✔ Get tested for diabetes 6-12 weeks after delivery, then every 1-3 years.
Get Expert Support for a Healthy Pregnancy
Managing gestational diabetes requires careful monitoring and lifestyle adjustments, but with the right guidance, you can have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or have concerns about pregnancy health, Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology is here to help.
Schedule an appointment today! Call 954-340-1050 or book online.
Photo by cottonbro studio