Which medication is the first-line treatment for gestational diabetes?

The first-line treatment for gestational diabetes is regular insulin, which is significant for several reasons. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels, and during pregnancy, it becomes crucial to manage these levels to ensure both maternal and fetal health. Gestational diabetes can lead to complications such as macrosomia, preterm birth, and increased risk of cesarean delivery, making effective management essential.

Regular insulin is favored because it does not cross the placenta, thereby minimizing potential adverse effects on the fetus. Additionally, insulin therapy can be easily monitored and adjusted to achieve target blood glucose levels. When lifestyle modifications alone are insufficient to control blood sugar in gestational diabetes, insulin provides a safe and effective means of maintaining glycemic control.

While oral hypoglycemic agents may be used in some cases, they are not considered first-line treatment, particularly because some of these agents can cross the placenta and may pose risks to the developing fetus. Oral corticosteroids and glucagon do not play a role in treating gestational diabetes, as they are unrelated to glycemic control. Thus, regular insulin stands out as the most appropriate and safest option for managing gestational diabetes in pregnant individuals.