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When you have diabetes during pregnancy
You have just been told that you have gestational diabetes. You may have some concerns and worries.
It's natural to feel confused and challenged by this diagnosis, but many people are ready to help and support you. Have your health care provider or diabetes educator provide you with the names and phone numbers of people who can help. Write this information on the inside front cover of this book. Remember: many women have gone through this and given birth to healthy babies!
- When untreated, gestational diabetes can be serious.
- When treated, complications can be managed and prevented.
For many women, gestational diabetes can be managed by following a meal plan, exercising as recommended, lowering stress, and monitoring blood glucose levels. Some women will also need to have insulin injections.
Naturally, this can all sound overwhelming at first. Careful and regular monitoring from your health care provider, education about gestational diabetes, and this online information all will help you understand:
- what's happening to your body
- how gestational diabetes is affecting you and your baby
- how it can be controlled
For many women, gestational diabetes can be managed by:
You're not alone
Remember, many women with gestational diabetes have given birth to healthy babies. Many people are ready to support you.
Have your health care provider give you the names and phone numbers of people who can help. Write this information on the resource worksheet.
Resource information worksheet
Forms and worksheets
Examples of carbohydrate choices