Gestational Diabetes: Treatment

Women with gestational diabetes must make dietary adjustments to control their blood glucose levels; in some cases insulin injections may be required to keep blood sugars in a safe range. Treatment for gestational diabetes may include:

• Regular self-testing of blood glucose levels
• Eating a healthy meal plan designed by a registered dietitian or other healthcare provider (known as medical nutrition therapy)
• Getting regular, moderate physical activity
• Maintaining healthy weight gain
• Keeping a daily log of dietary intake, physical activity, and glucose levels
• Taking insulin as prescribed
• Urinary ketone testing, if needed
• Regular blood pressure checks

If you have gestational diabetes, you should talk to your doctor about your specific target goals for blood glucose levels and how to reach them.

General guidelines are:

• Fasting glucose level - No higher than 95
• One hour postprandial (after eating) - No higher than 140
• Two hours postprandial - No higher than 120¹

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08