When you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth. It's not just about diet—sometimes you need medication to protect both you and your baby. Unlike type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes happens because pregnancy hormones interfere with insulin, making your body less able to manage blood sugar. If diet and exercise alone aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend meds to keep glucose levels stable—because high blood sugar can lead to big babies, early delivery, or even newborn low blood sugar.
Insulin, the most common and safest medication for gestational diabetes. It’s known as injectable insulin, and it doesn’t cross the placenta, so it won’t affect your baby directly. Many women start with insulin if their blood sugar stays high after meals, and it’s been used for decades with proven results. Then there’s metformin, an oral pill sometimes used off-label during pregnancy. It crosses the placenta, but studies show it’s generally safe and may help with weight gain and insulin resistance. Still, not every provider prescribes it—some stick to insulin out of caution. Other options like glyburide exist too, but they’re less preferred because they can cause low blood sugar in the baby after birth.
What you choose depends on your blood sugar levels, how far along you are, your weight, and your doctor’s experience. Some women only need insulin for a few weeks near the end of pregnancy. Others manage with metformin from diagnosis. The goal isn’t just to lower numbers—it’s to avoid complications like preeclampsia, C-sections, or neonatal intensive care. You’ll likely check your glucose several times a day, track meals, and adjust meds based on results. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency.
Below, you’ll find real-world advice from posts that cover how these meds work, what side effects to watch for, and how they compare to other diabetes treatments during pregnancy. Whether you’re worried about injections, curious about pills, or just trying to understand your options, the articles here give you clear, no-fluff answers based on what actually works in practice.
Learn which diabetes medications are safe during pregnancy, including insulin and metformin, and which ones to avoid. Get clear, evidence-based guidance on managing blood sugar for a healthy pregnancy.