Gestational diabetes treatments

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when a woman's body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of supporting both mother and baby. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to higher-than-normal sugar levels¹.

This condition usually appears in the second or third trimester and often resolves after childbirth¹. Unlike type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes is temporary; however it requires careful management to prevent complications¹. Without treatment, elevated blood sugar levels can affect both mother and child¹.

Gestational diabetes can be difficult to detect because many women experience no clear signs³. That is why conducting a routine glucose screening test, such as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), with a healthcare team is so important³. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Sugar detected in the urine during a checkup^1,3

As these signs can overlap with normal pregnancy changes, medical testing is the most reliable way to confirm whether gestational diabetes is present¹.

The goal of gestational diabetes treatment is to maintain blood sugar within a healthy range throughout pregnancy. Most women can manage their condition by regularly monitoring blood sugar levels and implementing dietary changes, physical activity and, if necessary, medication².

Treatment usually begins with daily adjustments that support healthy blood sugar levels, including:

These changes form the foundation of managing gestational diabetes during pregnancy, and contribute significantly to the health and wellbeing of both the mother and baby.

If lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient to manage blood sugar levels, doctors may recommend the following medications for gestational diabetes:

• Insulin therapy - Insulin injections are the most common and reliable treatment. They don’t cross the placenta and are safe for the baby².
• Oral medicine for gestational diabetes - In some cases, oral medications such as metformin may be prescribed. However, not all women are suitable candidates for this treatment, so it is used selectively².

The aim of both medications is the same: to stabilise blood sugar levels, protect the baby's health, and lower health risks to both mother and child². It's also worth noting that unlike type 2 diabetes, treatments such as GLP-1 medications are not suitable for managing gestational diabetes⁶.

Successful treatment of gestational diabetes relies on close medical supervision⁷. This is crucial to effectively manage blood sugar levels and should include:

• Regular antenatal visits to monitor the mother’s health and the baby’s growth⁸.
• Ultrasound scans to check development and amniotic fluid levels¹.
• Adjustments to diet, activity, or medication as needed¹.

When left untreated, gestational diabetes can affect both the mother and baby, which is why blood tests and glucose tolerance tests are crucial for monitoring blood sugar levels and avoiding high blood pressure¹.

For most women, gestational diabetes resolves once the baby is born¹. However, its effects can extend beyond pregnancy, potentially impacting the child's risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life⁸. Therefore, it's important for women to educate themselves about living with diabetes and to remain vigilant about their own health and their children's wellbeing after pregnancy.

Women who have experienced gestational diabetes are often encouraged to learn how to manage diabetes because they are:

• At higher risk of developing the condition in future pregnancies
• More likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life¹

Doctors usually recommend:

• A glucose test 6-13 weeks after birth^1,3
• Ongoing diabetes screening every 1-3 years³
• Maintaining lifestyle habits that reduce long-term risk²

Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may face higher risks of:

• Childhood obesity
• Type 2 diabetes later in life
• Blood sugar regulation issues shortly after birth⁸

The positive news is that these risks can be lowered through family-wide healthy habits, including balanced meals and active play. Establishing a lifestyle focused on nutrition and physical activity not only benefits the child but also creates a supportive environment for overall family health

Treating gestational diabetes does not end with childbirth. Long-term follow-up, lifestyle changes, and managing weight gain are essential for protecting both mother and child from developing gestational diabetes and other health problems. Practical steps include:

• Continuing with the balanced diet developed during pregnancy
• Staying active to maintain healthy weight and insulin sensitivity
• Attending regular medical checkups and screenings
• Encouraging healthy habits in the family environment

By taking these steps, women can greatly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other risk factors associated with gestational diabetes¹.

Gestational diabetes can feel daunting, but with the right treatment plan, most women manage it successfully. Whether through diet, safe physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, or gestational diabetes medication, the key is consistent care. This may include administering insulin shots when necessary to ensure better blood sugar control and seeking regular medical support.

Although the condition often disappears after birth, follow-up testing, including blood glucose monitoring in the weeks following delivery and healthy lifestyle habits are vital to catch any potential issues early and to prevent gaining too much weight post-pregnancy. By focusing on both immediate treatment and long-term prevention strategies, mothers can protect their own health and give their children the best possible start in life.