Most women with gestational diabetes are referred to dietitians for this. Her doctor and dietitian use these factors, as well as her food preferences, in designing a diet. This should help her gain the recommended 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. For women with gestational diabetes, this is divided among three meals and a bedtime snack. Women with preexisting insulin depen-dent diabetes often are advised to eat one or two additional snacks.
Exercise can help control diabetes by prompting the body to use insulin more efficiently.
However, pregnant women with diabetes should always talk to their doctors about exercising. Many women with preexisting diabetes require insulin injections to keep blood sugar levels under control. Insulin requirements change during pregnancy, generally increasing after 20 to 24 weeks and stabilizing by about 36 weeks. Most women with gestational diabetes do not require insulin. But, if blood sugar levels do not stabilize after two weeks on a special diet, insulin injections may be needed daily for the remainder of the pregnancy.