What is a common treatment approach for gestational diabetes?

Insulin therapy is a common treatment approach for gestational diabetes because it effectively helps manage blood sugar levels during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman has gestational diabetes, her body does not produce enough insulin to handle the increased blood sugar levels due to hormonal changes. Insulin allows glucose to enter cells, lowering blood sugar levels and preventing complications for both the mother and baby.

While lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, may also be recommended to help control gestational diabetes, insulin therapy is often necessary if those measures alone are insufficient, especially to ensure the safety of the fetus. Other treatment methods like surgery or high-dose medications are not typically considered appropriate for managing gestational diabetes. Instead, treatment focuses on maintaining blood sugar levels within target ranges while ensuring the health of both the mother and child. Calorie restriction may play a role in dietary adjustments, but it is not the primary treatment method; rather, a balanced approach to nutrition is emphasized.