How is GDM treated?
Treating GDM means taking steps to keep your blood glucose levels within a certain range. Treatment may include:
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Insulin injections
- Oral anti-diabetes drugs
Healthy Eating
Using a healthy eating plan will help your blood glucose stay in your 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.
Physical Activities
Physical activity can help you reach your blood glucose targets. Talk with your doctor about the type of activity that is best for you. If you are already active, tell your doctor what you do. Being physically active will also help lower your chances of having type 2 diabetes- and its problems-in the future. Now is the time to develop good habits for you and your baby.
- Be as physically active as you can. Aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Do aerobic activities, which use your large muscles to make your heart beat faster. Try brisk walking, swimming, dancing, or low-impact aerobics.
- Ask your doctor if you may continue some higher intensity sports to strengthen muscles and bone if you were already doing them before becoming pregnant, such as lifting weights or jogging.
- Do not exercise on your back after the first trimester. This kind of physical activity can put too much pressure on an important vein and limit blood flow to your baby.
Insulin Injections
Following a diet and getting involved in physical activities may not be enough to control blood sugar. You may have to take insulin alongside your prescribed diet.
ORAL ANTI-DIABETIC DRUGS
Some drugs like glyburide increase insulin secretion and diminish insulin resistance by lowering glucose toxicity. Please consult your doctor for guidance.
