What is gestational diabetes (GD)?
It is a metabolic disorder that occurs during pregnancy. This condition usually results in high blood glucose that disappears after delivery. Gestational diabetes can develop at any stage of pregnancy, but is more common during the second half of pregnancy. If you have GD, you can still deliver a healthy newborn baby if you get the help required from doctors and you properly manage your blood sugar through exercise, healthy food, and medication. Even though diabetes during pregnancy disappears after giving birth, you are more likely to get type 2 diabetes in the future.
Medications for gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes can be treated through healthy diet and regular exercise. However, if diet and exercise fail to keep your blood glucose level within the appropriate level, you may need to use medications. Insulin injections are normally prescribed to women with GD. You can take a rapid-acting insulin, such as Novolog or Humalog, that should be administered before you eat. Alternatively, you can use a long-acting insulin, such as Lantus, to help control the level of your blood sugar when you go to sleep. The amount of insulin you will need will vary depending on your weight and the date you are expecting to give birth. If you are approaching near your delivery date, you may need to take a higher amount of insulin. Oral diabetes drugs, like metformin and glyburide, can also be used to treat GD.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
