During the second half of pregnancy, which treatment is most likely required for a client with gestational diabetes?

During the second half of pregnancy, which treatment is most likely required for a client with gestational diabetes?

• A. Increased insulin
• B. Decreased insulin
• C. Increased caloric intake
• D. Decreased protein intake

Answer: (A)

As pregnancy advances, placental hormones create more insulin resistance, so many women with gestational diabetes need more insulin to keep blood glucose in a normal range. Exogenous insulin is used because it lowers maternal glucose without crossing the placenta to directly affect the fetus, helping prevent fetal hyperglycemia and related complications. Increasing caloric intake would raise blood sugar, while decreasing insulin would worsen hyperglycemia, and reducing protein intake isn’t a standard treatment and could harm fetal growth.

As pregnancy advances, placental hormones create more insulin resistance, so many women with gestational diabetes need more insulin to keep blood glucose in a normal range. Exogenous insulin is used because it lowers maternal glucose without crossing the placenta to directly affect the fetus, helping prevent fetal hyperglycemia and related complications. Increasing caloric intake would raise blood sugar, while decreasing insulin would worsen hyperglycemia, and reducing protein intake isn’t a standard treatment and could harm fetal growth.