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When the diagnosis is gestational diabetes

A careful assessment of her condition is made. The decision will then be taken whether to stick to dietary control of her condition or to start her on insulin. If her obstetrician opts for the former, she will be asked to have frequent timed blood-sugar tests.

It is of absolute importance that she sticks to the monitoring regime. If the dietary management alone does not seem to give good control, then insulin needs to be used. The aim is to achieve blood-sugar levels that stay within the normal range.

 

Role for exercise in gestationl dibetes

Like her non-diabetic counterpart, a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes is encouraged to remain physically active. However, strenuous exercise is out, as it can cause a dangerous fall in the blood sugar level. On the other hand, a complete lack of exercise does make blood sugar control that little bit more difficult.

 

The midwife and doctors will advise the mother on the recommended type and extent of exercise. However, it is never necessary to go to the gym.

 

Using insulin in gestational diabetes

If it is deemed necessary to use insulin, the mother will be taught how to self-administer insulin injections. Most people find this quite easy to learn. The injection causes very little pain and is relatively superficial.

 

 

Non-insulin dependent diabetics on oral medication.

Tablets used in the classical form of non-insulin dependent diabetes are not used in pregnancy. Patients that are on these tablets such as Metformin; if and when they fall pregnant, will be switched to insulin injection during the course of their pregnancy. This is because the tablets are less reliable in pregnancy and some types could harm the fetus.

 

 

 

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Exercising is good even in gestational diabetes. However, excessive exertion can cause a dangerous fall in blood sugar levels