Treatment for gestational diabetes:

• Controlling blood sugar usually with diet and exercise, however, if diet and exercise does not control the blood sugar, your doctor may prescribe medication. Monitoring blood sugar is the key to your treatment program because it tells you whether your blood sugar is within a normal range.

One of the best ways to control your blood sugar level is to eat the right kind and amount of food. Healthy diets are important for every pregnant woman. Eating a healthy diet is even more important if you have gestational diabetes.

You will need to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You want to eat foods high in nutrition and low in fat and calories, fewer animal products and sweets. In addition, working with a registered dietitian or counselor can help you put together an individual meal plan based on your blood sugar level, height, weight, exercise habits and food preferences.

Regular physical activity causes sugar to be transported to your cells where it is used for energy and lowers the levels in your blood. Exercise also reduces blood sugar by increasing your sensitivity to insulin.

Regular exercise during pregnancy has many other benefits which include:

• Preventing some o the discomforts of pregnancy such as back pain, muscle cramps, swelling, constipation and difficulty sleeping
• Regular exercise can help you prepare for labor and delivery
• With increased muscle strength and endurance you will reduce stress on your ligaments and joints during delivery. Regular exercise can also help you during labor, delivery and shorten your recovery time.

Your goal for exercise during pregnancy should be moderate aerobic exercise on most days. If you are not generally active, start slowly and build up gradually. Best results are achieved through a program of aerobic activity, stretching and strength-training exercise.

Although gestational diabetes is reason for concern and closer monitoring for you and the baby, it is a complication of pregnancy that can be successfully treated.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2007)

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

By Connie Limon

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