# What if I cannot control gestational diabetes with diet and physical activity alone? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/gestational-diabetes-diet-exercise-not-enough Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.082Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.082Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/gestational-diabetes-diet-exercise-not-enough If you are unable to control your blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes through diet and physical activity alone, your healthcare team will discuss additional treatment options with you. This often involves prescribing insulin or, in some cases, oral medications to help keep blood glucose levels within the healthy target range during pregnancy. The goal is to protect your health and the health of your fetus from potential complications. Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops during pregnancy, usually around the twenty-fourth week, when the body cannot produce the extra insulin it needs during this period. It is important to manage this condition effectively to avoid health risks for you and your baby [\[1\]](). ## When are medications used? The first step in managing gestational diabetes is usually adjusting your diet and engaging in regular physical activity. However, if these changes are not sufficient to keep blood sugar levels within the target range, your doctor may recommend medication [\[1\]](). The need for medication is determined based on your blood sugar readings and monitoring by your healthcare team. You may need to adjust your meal plan and physical activity routine, and it may require adding insulin if you were not taking it before pregnancy [\[2\]](). ## Medication options Insulin is the most common and effective option for managing gestational diabetes when diet and physical activity are not enough. Insulin works by helping glucose enter the cells to provide energy, thereby lowering blood sugar levels [\[1\]](). You may need to change the type of insulin, the amount, or the method and timing of its administration if you are already using it. It is common for the insulin dose to increase as pregnancy progresses, and it may double or triple as the due date approaches, then drop rapidly after delivery [\[2\]](). In some cases, doctors may prescribe oral medications to manage gestational diabetes [\[2\]](). Your healthcare team will evaluate your condition to determine the most appropriate and safe option for you and your fetus. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, as some medications may not be safe during pregnancy [\[2\]](). ## Monitoring blood sugar levels Whether you are managing gestational diabetes with diet and physical activity alone or with medication, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial [\[2\]](). Target ranges for blood glucose levels may change during pregnancy, and you may need to check your levels more frequently. You can check your blood glucose levels at home using a blood glucose meter [\[3\]](). If you are taking insulin, you might benefit from using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) [\[3\]](). Your healthcare team may also ask you to check your urine at home for ketones, as high levels may indicate the need to adjust your treatment plan [\[2\]](). ## Postpartum follow-up Gestational diabetes usually disappears after childbirth [\[1\]](). However, having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life [\[1\]](). Therefore, you will undergo diabetes testing 4 to 12 weeks after delivery. Even if your blood glucose levels return to normal, you will need to have them checked every 1 to 3 years [\[1\]](). For more information about gestational diabetes, you can visit [Gestational Diabetes: Screening, Diet, Delivery, and Follow-up (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Diabetes and Pregnancy]() - [Pregnancy if You Have Diabetes]() - [Blood Glucose Test]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/gestational-diabetes-diet-exercise-not-enough#answer