Okay, here is the translation following your instructions: You are seven months pregnant with gestational diabetes. What should you do?

Patient's question:

Found eating more fruits and cakes

Doctor's answer:

Gestational diabetes is one of the most common complications during pregnancy. In 1979, the World Health Organization classified it as a distinct type of diabetes. In recent years, with increasing emphasis on prenatal diabetes screening in China, the detection rate of this condition has significantly improved.
Recommendations:
Fetuses of diabetic mothers are often larger in size. Gestational diabetes is a highly dangerous condition for both the mother and the fetus, and should be treated actively. First, dietary control should be implemented, and insulin therapy should be considered if necessary. The blood glucose levels of patients with gestational diabetes should be managed jointly by diabetes experts and obstetricians.
1. Dietary therapy
- It is recommended to follow a small-amount, frequent-meal pattern, with 5 to 6 meals per day.
- Breakfast should not be excessive, accounting for 2/18 of the total daily energy intake.
- Lunch and dinner should each account for 5/18 of the total daily energy intake.
- Additional snacks should be consumed in the morning, afternoon, and before bedtime.
- It is also important to consume foods rich in fiber and vitamins.
2. Exercise therapy
- Appropriate exercise for diabetic pregnant women can increase insulin sensitivity and promote glucose utilization, helping to lower blood sugar levels.
- The exercise intensity should not be too high, generally keeping the heart rate below 120 beats per minute.
- The duration of exercise should not be too long, typically 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Insulin therapy
- After dietary adjustments for 3 to 5 days, measure the pregnant woman’s 24-hour blood glucose levels when she does not feel hungry, and promptly add insulin therapy if needed.
- Currently, synthetic human insulin is commonly used. Its use during pregnancy is less likely to produce antibodies, and insulin cannot pass through the placenta to the fetus.
- Due to individual differences in insulin sensitivity among pregnant women, the dosage of insulin during pregnancy should be personalized.