Gestational diabetes - glucose intolerance of pregnancy

Gestational diabetes (also called glucose intolerance of pregnancy) is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. It affects two to four per cent of all pregnancies and involves an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child.

Coping skills

It's not easy living with a condition that can affect the health of your unborn child. Fortunately, most of the complications of gestational diabetes can be prevented with diet and exercise. Still, it sometimes can be stressful to regularly monitor your blood sugar and follow a specific diet and exercise plan.

Being under stress can make it harder to take care of yourself and manage your gestational diabetes. You may find yourself eating all of the wrong foods or forgetting to exercise. Furthermore, prolonged stress can actually cause your blood sugar levels to rise.

You'll probably feel better if you learn as much as you can about your condition. In addition to talking to your doctor and a diabetes educator or dietitian, look for information in books or on the Internet. Your doctor also may be able to put you in touch with other women who have the same disorder.

What's more, the very steps you're taking to control your blood sugar — such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise — can help relieve stress. These same activities may also help prevent you from developing type 2 diabetes in the future. That makes exercise and a nutritious diet your most powerful tools for a healthy life as well as for a healthy pregnancy.