Health Information
Insulin for Gestational Diabetes
How It Works
Insulin reduces blood sugar levels by helping sugar (glucose) enter the cells to be used for energy. Sometimes women who have Reference gestational diabetes Opens New Window need to take two types of insulin, usually a rapid- or short-acting and an intermediate-acting type. Long-acting insulins have not proved to be safe for use during pregnancy.
- The short-acting insulin reduces blood sugar levels quickly and then wears off.
- The combination of a rapid- or short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin helps keep blood sugar levels in a Reference target range both before and after meals.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 14, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
