A well-rounded diet is an integral part of any healthy pregnancy. With gestational diabetes in pregnancy, careful attention to sugar intake and total calories is important in regulating blood sugars. The help of a dietitian may be useful for refining a healthy eating plan. Often, gestational diabetes can be controlled well with diet alone, avoiding the need for insulin injections.
Recommendations
A diet low in fat and sugar is best. Low fat foods help to keep weight gain within the healthy range. Foods low in refined sugar will assist in keeping blood sugar under control. Variety is important. Choosing low fat, low sugar options from all food groups ensures that the fetus is getting all of the vitamins and nutrients needed for growth and development.
Super Food Choices
The American Diabetic Association (ADA) recommends a diet that includes calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A , C and E. The ADA also suggests selectings foods that are low on the glycemic index. According to the ADA, including certain super foods such as nonfat dairy, beans, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit and berries will help to make sure that important nutrients are available during pregnancy. Tomatoes, fish, whole grains and sweet potatoes are also listed as diabetes super foods.
Other Considerations
Salt is no longer routinely restricted during pregnancy. It is needed for maintaining proper fluid balance. Alcohol during pregnancy is dangerous and becomes even more dangerous in the presence of gestational diabetes. Because pregnant women with gestational diabetes tend to have low blood sugar through the night, a bedtime snack may help to control or eliminate the risk associated with below normal blood sugar. A snack consisting of some carbohydrates and some protein will help keep blood sugar steady for a longer period of time. An example would be a hard boiled egg with a piece of whole wheat toast.
