I had GD despite not being in any of the usual risk categories. I just about managed to keep it under control through diet and exercise, I.e. any carbohydrates had to be the kind that release their energy slowly (low glycemic index I think it's called, so wholemeal everything and lots of veg), and within an hour after every meal I had to have a twenty-minute walk.
It was a total pain (especially as my one pregnancy craving was for chocolate!), but it kept me off needing any medication. It was especially annoying/upsetting (hormones!!) if other family members decided it was amusing to eat food I couldn't have in front of me - grrr!
The doctors told me that if I didn't need to go on medication (metformin) and if the baby grew normally then I wouldn't be induced early, but they did insist on inducing me on his due date rather than letting him go overdue.
I used to see a diabetes nurse every few weeks, plus an endocrinologist and an obstetrician together in between. All were very helpful.
My baby was eight and a half pounds at birth, slightly less than my first baby, and has had no ill-effects whatsoever. He's three now and is slightly on the skinny side if anything, but then he does run around like a maniac for most of his waking hours... 
I have been told that it means I might be slightly more likely than average to develop type 2 diabetes one day. Because of this I have to have my blood sugar tested once a year and I've been advised to try and eat healthily (not too many refined carbohydrates), so as not to make my pancreas (which plays a role in processing sugar) work too hard. I don't fully understand the science of it, but that's as much as I know.
I hope that makes some kind of sense! Congratulations on your pregnancy, and stay strong! I am not good on willpower, so if I can do it you can!! 