Gestational diabetes negatively affects the way the body utilizes glucose, or sugar, which is the primary energy source derived from food. It occurs only during pregnancy and can cause numerous complications for the mother and her child. According to the Mayo Clinic, gestational diabetes can be managed through healthy dietary steps, regular exercise and, in some cases, medication. In most cases, gestational diabetes resolves itself shortly after delivery. Adhering to a nutritious diet that supports blood sugar balance is recommended for women with this condition.
Function
Diets for gestational diabetes aim to manage a woman's blood sugar levels while supporting the health of the mother and infant. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating appropriate amounts and kinds of food is one of the most valuable ways for a woman to manage her blood sugar levels during pregnancy. An optimum diet will also help keep her weight within a desired range and support heart health, since high blood pressure may add additional risks.
Optimum Foods
Consuming a variety of nutritious foods can help support a woman's wellness and the development and health of her baby during pregnancy. Since blood sugar balance is a primary concern for women with gestational diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends a low-glycemic diet, or a diet that has a mild impact on glucose levels. Healthy foods from each food group can supply appropriate nutrients. Low-glycemic nutrient-rich foods include many fresh fruits, such as berries, apricots, cherries, grapefruit, plums, pears and apples, and vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, egg plant, green beans, lettuce, spinach, peppers and tomatoes. Whole grains provide optimum carbohydrate choices, and legumes, white-meat poultry and low-fat dairy products are prime protein sources. Moderate consumption of healthy fats, such as extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil, nuts, seeds and avocados are also recommended.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods may off-set blood sugar levels and increase risk for disease. Since diabetes may increase risk for heart disease, foods linked with poor heart health, such as saturated and trans fats should be limited. The Mayo Clinic suggests limiting saturated fats to no more than 7-percent of total daily calories and avoiding trans fats entirely. Saturated fats are prevalent in fatty red meat, dark-meat poultry, butter, eggs, high-fat cheese, whole milk, cream, deep-fried foods and numerous processed foods. Foods that contain hydrogenated vegetable oil, shortening, margarine and many processed foods, contain trans fats. Since refined carbohydrates may have a substantial impact on glucose levels, enriched breads, pasta, rice, cereals, sweets and salty snack foods should be limited as well.
Calories and Balance
Women's nutrient and calorie needs vary. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) encourages women with gestational diabetes to increase their pre-pregnancy food consumption by roughly 300 calories. In general, three balanced meals based on healthy foods and healthy snacks, as needed, can help manage hunger, energy and blood sugar. The Mayo Clinic suggests a goal of 45 to 65 percent of daily calories from carbohydrates, including vegetables, fruit and grains, 15 to 25 percent of daily calories from protein and 20 to 35 percent from fat for improved blood sugar management.
Suggestions
Women with gestational diabetes should seek dietary guidance from qualified health care professionals and stay in close contact throughout pregnancy. In addition to a healthy diet, the Mayo Clinic suggests regular blood sugar monitoring and doctor-approved exercise, which can improve glucose levels. Since risk for type 2 diabetes increases for women with gestational diabetes, the UMMC suggests a nutrient-rich diet that supports heart health and blood sugar health following pregnancy as well.
