What should I do if I have gestational diabetes?

Women with gestational diabetes can manage their condition through dietary control, appropriate physical activity, and medication, as needed.

1. Dietary Control

Dietary management is the cornerstone of treatment for gestational diabetes. However, women with gestational diabetes have the same nutritional requirements as healthy pregnant women. While maintaining the same total daily caloric intake, it is advisable to adopt a “smaller, more frequent meals” approach—for example, reserving part of a meal to consume approximately two hours after eating. This strategy helps effectively control postprandial blood glucose levels.

2. Appropriate Physical Activity

Patients may engage in moderate outdoor activity after each meal—particularly walking—which can help regulate postprandial blood glucose to some extent. However, it is important to avoid exercising on an empty stomach to prevent hypoglycemia.

3. Pharmacologic Management

If blood glucose targets are not achieved despite optimal dietary control and appropriate physical activity, insulin therapy may be initiated under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Insulin is a large-molecule compound that cannot cross the placental barrier; therefore, the fetus is typically not exposed to insulin, and this treatment generally poses no risk to the fetus.