Gestational diabetes can be harmful to you and your baby, so it's important to start treatment quickly.

 Gestational diabetes treatment aims to maintain blood sugar levels similar to those of pregnant women who do not have gestational diabetes. Treatment always includes a specific diet plan and planned physical activity, and may also include daily blood glucose tests and insulin injections.

 The American Diabetes Association recommends the following goals when testing blood sugar for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy: More or less strict glycemic goals may be appropriate for each individual.

•  Before a meal (pre-meal): 95 mg/dl or less
•  One hour after a meal (post-meal): 140 mg/dl or less
•  Two hours after a meal (post-meal): 120 mg/dl or less
•  If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you will need help from your doctor, nurse educator, and other members of your healthcare team so that your treatment can change as needed. Appropriate treatment for you as a mother-to-be helps reduce the risk of cesarean delivery that very large babies may require.

 Sticking to your treatment plan will ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery and can help prevent your baby from becoming unhealthy in the future.

 Keeping the worry in perspective

 While gestational diabetes can be a cause for concern, the good news is that you and your healthcare team (your doctor, obstetrician, nurse educator, and dietitian) are working together to lower your high blood sugar levels. And with this help, you can turn your anxiety into a healthy pregnancy for you and a healthy start for your baby.

 Look ahead

 Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy. But once you have gestational diabetes, you are two-thirds likely to recur in future pregnancies. However, in a few women, pregnancy develops type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is difficult to say whether these women have gestational diabetes or whether their diabetes has just started to show during pregnancy, but they will need to continue diabetes treatment after pregnancy.

 Many women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes years later. There seems to be a link between a tendency to have gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes, as both involve insulin resistance. However, some basic lifestyle changes can help prevent diabetes after gestational diabetes. Learn about prevention.

 Reduce your risk by losing weight

 Are you 20% above your ideal body weight? Losing even a few pounds can help you avoid developing type 2 diabetes.

 Make a healthy food choice

 Follow simple daily guidelines such as eating a variety of foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting your fat intake to less than 30% of your daily calories, and being mindful of your quantity. A healthy diet can greatly help prevent diabetes and other health problems.

 Education

 Regular exercise allows your body to use glucose without the need for additional insulin. This helps fight insulin resistance and exercise helps diabetics. However, it is important to consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.