Some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It is usually related to the fact that your body is less able to use insulin due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy.

Some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It’s treated with special meal plans and exercise, but it may require blood glucose testing and insulin injections. In most instances, it goes away once the baby is born. However, women who have gestational diabetes are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Tests

When you are between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor will test you for gestational diabetes.

Glucose Challenge Test
This routine test screens for gestational diabetes. The two-step test involves drinking a sugary solution and taking a blood sample one hour later to determine your blood sugar level. If the results of the glucose challenge test show high blood glucose, you will return for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) test to confirm the diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
An OGTT determines your body's ability to handle glucose. The test involves fasting and then testing your blood both before and after drinking a sugary solution to measure the blood glucose.

Treatments

Healthy Eating
Our dietitians and nutrition educators have years of experience in helping women with gestational diabetes. You will learn what foods are right for you and your growing baby, while keeping your blood glucose in check.

Physical Activity
Being physically active before and during pregnancy may help prevent gestational diabetes and decrease chances of possible later-onset of Type 2 diabetes. There are also numerous other benefits of exercise, such as reducing backaches and swelling, increasing energy and your mood, and helping you sleep better. Also, management of blood glucose levels helps improve health outcomes for mother and baby.

Why Choose UHealth?

Expert advice on managing diabetes during pregnancy. Our health care professionals will help you develop and follow a healthy eating plan and remain – or get – physically active. You may need insulin if your nutrition plan and physical activity fail to keep your blood glucose in your target range.

Personalized care in one location. The Comprehensive Diabetes Center gives you access to multiple, premier specialists in a single location, so you can conveniently see several providers in a day. This process enhances communication among everyone involved in your health care, resulting in improved quality of care. Your personal patient navigator will assist you in coordinating care and scheduling visits based on your needs.