Back to Gestational diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, the chances of having problems with the pregnancy can be reduced by controlling your blood sugar glucose levels. You'll also need to be more closely monitored during pregnancy and labour to check if treatment is working and for any problems. You'll be given a testing kit that you can use to check your blood sugar glucose level. This involves using a finger-pricking device and putting a drop of blood on a testing strip.
If you take insulin and have problems with low blood sugar hypoglycaemia or your blood sugar is not stable, your care team might offer you a continuous glucose monitor CGM. This is a small sensor you wear on your skin that sends data wirelessly to a receiver or a mobile phone, so you can see your blood sugar level at any time.
Diabetes UK has more information about checking your blood sugar levels. You should be referred to a dietitian, who can give you advice about your diet and how to plan healthy meals.
It's also important to be aware of foods to avoid during pregnancy , such as certain types of fish and cheese. Diabetes UK: What can I eat with gestational diabetes? Physical activity lowers your blood glucose level, so regular exercise can be an effective way to manage gestational diabetes.
You'll be advised about safe ways to exercise during pregnancy. Find out more about exercise in pregnancy. A common recommendation is to aim for at least minutes 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, plus strength exercises on 2 or more days a week. You may be given medicine if your blood sugar levels are still not stable 1 to 2 weeks after changing your diet and exercising regularly, or if your blood sugar level is very high when you're first diagnosed.
