Breakfast Ideas For Someone With Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes, similar to other types of diabetes, affects the way the body uses glucose and, if uncontrolled, can cause high blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, if gestational diabetes is not managed properly, excess blood glucose is passed to the baby, and can result in a condition known as macrosomia, or fat baby. These babies are more likely to incur damage to shoulders during delivery, hypoglycemia at birth, a higher risk for breathing problems and an increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Management

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development states that each woman should have a specific plan designed just for her needs. Overall goals in gestational diabetes management include monitoring and controlling blood sugar, eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, keeping daily blood glucose and food records and maintaining a healthy pregnancy weight. Dietitians and diabetes educators are the best resources for personalizing a healthy pregnancy plan for women with gestational diabetes.

Diet

Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to control blood glucose levels and maintain a healthy weight while reducing the risk of complications. Tips for individuals with gestational diabetes include not skipping meals, eating three small meals and two to three snacks at regular times, eating a consistent amount of carbohydrates at lunch and dinner, avoiding fatty and fried foods, choosing high fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, reducing sugar and fat intake, and staying hydrated.

Breakfast

A carbohydrate-controlled plan must be individualized based on each woman's needs and preferences since the amount, type and distribution throughout the day affect blood glucose control. According to "Key Components of Care for Women With Gestational Diabetes, " carbohydrates are not tolerated as well at breakfast as other meals due to increased hormonal activity. Some carbohydrates are necessary at every meal; however, when protein comprises the bulk of breakfast, better glucose control is usually observed.

Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast examples include a whole wheat waffle with peanut butter, Canadian bacon and egg sandwich on whole wheat bread, turkey sausage and egg breakfast taco, vegetable and cheese omelet with toast or an open faced ham and cheese sandwich on an English muffin. In order to fuel the body and control blood glucose levels, speak to a dietitian to obtain personalized carbohydrate servings for all meals.

Post Partum Health

Gestational diabetes often disappears after birth; however, women who experience this type of diabetes have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse suggests that women who have had gestational diabetes continue to be tested for diabetes or pre-diabetes every 1 to 2 years. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or delay diabetes later on in life.