What is the definitive guide to managing gestational diabetes according to Hilary Erickson?

Managing gestational diabetes involves close monitoring and management of blood sugar levels to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both the mother and baby. Here are some key points:

• Regular exercise: This can help manage blood sugar levels.
• Diet: Consult a dietician if possible. They can guide you on what to eat to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• Medication: Some people may need to take a pill or insulin, but this is not common. Only about 30% of people with gestational diabetes need insulin.
• Regular check-ups: Your visits to your doctor may become more frequent due to this condition. You may also need to see a maternal fetal medicine specialist.

Remember, it's important to inform anyone caring for you during your pregnancy that you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

After the baby is born, most often, the issues with blood sugar go away. However, having gestational diabetes does increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, so it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle even after pregnancy.

Would you like more information on any specific aspect of managing gestational diabetes?