Controlling Gestational Diabetes

Controlling gestational diabetes is critical, as the condition can adversely affect both the mother and the child.

Fortunately, treatment is typically straight forward and involves meal planning and exercise. A dietician should be consulted to formulate meals that work for the mother and accomplish the goal of properly controlling the mother's blood sugar.

Generally, a meal plan will be created around the following guidelines:

• Three small meals a day, with one to three snacks
• Limit sugar intake (i.e., very few sweets!)
• Carbohydrate Monitoring (when and how much you can eat)
• Plenty of Fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grain crackers, cereals, and breads.)

Diabetes and Exercise is also very important. Even daily walking and swimming can go a long way to help control your blood sugar.

Some women may also need to conduct daily blood glucose testing and take insulin to control their diabetes. It is important to note that in these circumstances, the insulin is not harmful to the baby, and the insulin does not travel into the baby.