What is gestational diabetes? When a women has never had diabetes before, but have high blood sugar (glucose) level during pregnancy the condition is called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is estimated to occur in about 18% of pregnancies. So, how do you get gestational diabetes? It is unknown what exactly causes gestational diabetes.Scientists believe that hormones from the placenta block the action of the mother’s insulin. Since the mother’s body has a hard time using insulin, excess insulin is needed for the body to process blood sugar. It is important for a mother to learn as much as possible about gestational diabetes to protect herself and her baby.

Gestational Diabetes Diet

When a mother learns she has gestational diabetes, she must begin making sure that her blood sugar levels don’t become too high. One reason for this is that high blood sugar levels during pregnancy cause babies of gestational …

Gestational diabetes is diabetes which develops during pregnancy. Typically, medications are not used during gestational diabetes treatment unless there is some type of complication involved. However, if diet and exercise is not enough to keep blood glucose levels under control, insulin is sometimes prescribed. Between 10 to 20 percent of women need insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Some doctors may prescribe oral medications for gestational diabetes treatment, but many feel that more research is needed to confirm that these oral drugs are safe (MayoClinic.com, 2012).

For the most part treatment of gestational diabetes requires that you maintain three basic actions: monitoring your blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet, and exercising. Simply taking care of your body and making sure that your blood sugar is not too high or too low will save you and your baby from many complications. Typically, if a woman can do this, their …