In the management of gestational diabetes during pregnancy, what treatment may be required for some patients?

• A. Oral hypoglycemic agents
• B. Insulin injections
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Antihypertensives

Answer: (B)

In gestational diabetes, the goal is to keep the mother’s blood glucose in a safe range to protect the baby. Diet and exercise are tried first, but if glucose remains elevated, medication is often required. Insulin injections are the standard choice during pregnancy because insulin works to lower blood sugar without crossing the placenta, so it controls maternal glucose levels while minimizing fetal exposure. It can be adjusted as the pregnancy progresses to maintain good control. While some oral agents are used in diabetes outside pregnancy, they are not consistently preferred in pregnancy due to concerns about effects on the fetus. Antibiotics and antihypertensives don’t address blood glucose control, so they don’t fit as treatments for gestational diabetes.