Is gestational diabetes easy to treat?

Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
Updated on February 27, 2025
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Gestational diabetes nowadays is often related to excessive supplementation for pregnant women, meaning eating too much and too well. Families tend to be overprotective, and there is no need for exercise. Additionally, during pregnancy, insulin resistance and some special bodily changes occur. Therefore, between the 24th and 28th weeks, high blood sugar levels can be detected. After the diagnosis of gestational diabetes, first and foremost, it is necessary to adjust one's mindset and control the diet strictly. During pregnancy, it is sufficient to ensure adequate protein intake, and it's not about eating more or better. Secondly, for gestational diabetes, exercise can be intensified to control blood sugar levels.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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How to reduce blood sugar in gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes cannot be treated with oral medications, as they can affect the fetus. Currently, the main treatment for gestational diabetes in China is insulin, with options for short-acting or rapid-acting insulin. If fasting blood glucose is high, long-acting insulin can be used to control fasting blood glucose levels. If post-meal blood glucose is high, short-acting or rapid-acting insulin can be used to control post-meal blood glucose levels. The blood glucose control standards for gestational diabetes are fasting blood glucose between 4.0 and 5.3, and two hours post-meal blood glucose between 4.4 and 6.7.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Steps for Gestational Diabetes Testing

The screening steps for gestational diabetes involve, for most women, the recommendation to undergo a 75-gram glucose tolerance test at the hospital between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. The method includes fasting blood draw, consuming 75 grams of glucose, and monitoring blood sugar levels one hour and two hours after glucose intake, to determine the presence of gestational diabetes. However, for pregnant women at high risk for diabetes, it is recommended to complete the 75-gram glucose tolerance test early in pregnancy to detect gestational diabetes early and initiate treatment promptly to reduce the risks to both the fetus and the mother.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Can pregnant women with gestational diabetes eat dragon fruit?

For patients with gestational diabetes, it is permissible to eat dragon fruit. Since dragon fruit contains relatively low sugar levels, it can be consumed. However, it should not be eaten in excess, as excessive consumption can still lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. In the treatment of gestational diabetes, we should not cause the pregnant woman's weight to decrease, hence a low-calorie treatment is not advocated. Generally, the total calories are calculated based on standard weight, approximately 30 to 35 kcal per kilogram of body weight per day. Sugars should make up about 50%, proteins 20%-25%, and fats 25%-30%. It is best to divide these into three main meals and three snacks, adjusting the proportion and calorie content of the diet according to body type. Therefore, patients with gestational diabetes can eat dragon fruit, and it can be consumed as a snack between main meals.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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What to eat with gestational diabetes

The dietary control for gestational diabetes adheres to the same overall principles as non-pregnant diabetes management, mainly focusing on controlling total caloric intake and eating smaller, more frequent meals. This approach helps manage blood sugar levels and reduces the occurrence of hypoglycemia. Additionally, it is important to consider the nutrients required for fetal growth and development. Generally, carbohydrate intake should make up 50%-60% of the diet, proteins 15%-20%, and fats should not exceed 30%. Foods that quickly increase blood sugar levels and are high in fat should be consumed minimally. Instead, it is beneficial to consume a lot of vegetables, at least 500 grams daily, to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and fiber.

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Written by Xu Dong Dong
Endocrinology
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Can you eat cherries if you have gestational diabetes?

Patients with gestational diabetes can eat cherries. Cherries have a relatively low sugar content and glycemic index, so eating them will not cause significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Additionally, cherries are rich in trace elements, particularly high in iron content, and consuming cherries can help supplement iron. Patients with gestational diabetes can eat cherries in moderation, but they should not consume too much at once, and it is recommended to eat between meals. There are also other fruits with low glycemic indices that patients with gestational diabetes can eat appropriately, such as apples, peaches, pears, oranges, and grapefruits.