Gestational diabetes also puts the mother at risk for complications of high blood pressure and fluid retention. We have been able to achieve infant survival rates that match those of nondiabetic women. The key to reducing one's risk is controlling the diabetes. At the Diabetes Center of New Jersey, all new patients are first seen by a certified diabetes educator within 24 to 48 hours of diagnosis. Each patient then meets with a registered dietitian, who calculates the proper calorie level, develops a nutrition plan and gauges how much weight the patient can safely gain throughout the remainder of her pregnancy.
Patients usually do best when they eat six small meals, which include snacks.
Special accommodations can be made for patients who are vegetarians or have other dietary restrictions. For most patients, diet, exercise and monitoring glucose levels control gestational diabetes sufficiently. Some patients require insulin injections and consultation with their primary care doctor or an endocrinologist. Taking oral diabetes medication is not safe during pregnancy. Sandy Whiteford was able to control her gestational diabetes without insulin.