A client with gestational diabetes asks the nurse about the preferred medication for controlling blood sugar levels.

The nurse explains that the preferred medication is chosen because it does not cross the placenta and affect the baby.

Which medication is the nurse referring to?

The correct answer is choice C. They are used in cases where diet and exercise are not sufficient to control blood sugar levels.According to a study by Langer et al, oral antidiabetic drugs such as glyburide and metformin are equivalent to insulin in terms of pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).These drugs can help lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas, limiting the liver’s production of glucose, or improving the cells’ sensitivity to insulin.

Choice A is wrong because they are not the first-line treatment option for gestational diabetes.The first-line treatment is diet and exercise, which can help control blood sugar levels in most cases of GDM.

Choice B is wrong because they are not necessarily contraindicated during pregnancy.Although there are some potential risks to the baby, such as hypoglycemia or fetal growth restriction, these can be minimized by careful monitoring and dose adjustment.

Choice D is wrong because they are not preferred over insulin injections for their ease of use and convenience.Insulin injections are still the gold standard for treating GDM, especially in cases of severe hyperglycemia or when oral drugs fail to achieve adequate glycemic control.Insulin injections also have fewer side effects and interactions than oral drugs.

The correct answer is choice A. To monitor the progress of pregnancy and check for any complications.This is the primary reason for regular antenatal visits for women with gestational diabetes, as they are at increased risk of developing hypertension, preeclampsia, polyhydramnios, and fetal macrosomia.These visits also allow the health care provider to monitor the blood glucose levels and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Choice B is wrong because insulin injections are not always required for women with gestational diabetes.Some women can manage their blood sugar levels with dietary modifications and exercise alone.

Choice C is wrong because ultrasound scans are not the primary reason for antenatal visits, although they may be performed more frequently for women with gestational diabetes to assess the fetal growth and well-being.

Choice D is wrong because education on dietary modifications during pregnancy is not the primary reason for antenatal visits, although it is an important component of the management of gestational diabetes.Women with gestational diabetes should receive individualized nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian or a certified diabetes educator.