How can gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) be prevented? 

Steps can be taken to reduce the risk of having GDM both before and during pregnancy. This is important especially if you have risk factors for GDM, or if you have had GDM during a previous pregnancy.

Having a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise before and during pregnancy is important. These steps will help to achieve and maintain a healthy weight before becoming pregnant. A body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 22.9 kg/m² is considered to be within the healthy range.