Gestational diabetes, or GD, describes women who have never had diabetes before, but experience it only when pregnant. Borderline GD is a term rarely used in 2010; it is an older term for type 2 diabetes or "impaired glucose tolerance." Type 2 diabetes can usually be controlled by diet. According to the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, about 4 percent of all pregnant women in the United States develop GD every year. Gestational diabetes can be serious for you and your baby, and the best way to keep it under control is through diet.
Time Frame
American Pregnancy reports that most doctors test for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks. At this stage, your placenta is producing large amounts of hormones that may cause insulin resistance or glucose intolerance. These glucose, or sugar levels, remain in your blood, rather than being used for energy. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, report an abnormal glucose test, accompanied by classic symptoms of increased thirst and urination, and fatigue, will lead to a GD diagnosis. Your most important counterattack will be to change to a healthier, controlled diet, with the help of your doctor and a registered dietitian. You will follow a type 2 diabetic diet, individualized to fit your needs.
Significance
If you choose to ignore these symptoms, the significance of a high glucose content in your blood can put you at risk and will cross the placenta, giving your baby high blood sugars as well. The ADA cautions "untreated or poorly controlled gestational diabetes can hurt your baby." These facts are usually enough to motivate most mothers to abruptly change their diets. 300 calories extra per day are all your baby needs and should be in the form of nutrition-packed foods, such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables and fewer carbohydrates. High-fat foods in big portions, combined with sedentary lives, is a formula for a nationwide increase in GD.
Features
The prominent features of the gestational diabetic diet are a variety of healthy foods and a decrease of simple carbohydrates and sugars. NIH recommends learning to read labels on the foods you buy and be aware that carbohydrates are measured by grams. Your daily allowance of these carbs should be determined by a registered dietitian. NIH also encourages that you have three small to moderate-sized meals and 1 to 2 snacks each day. Carbohydrates should be less than half of your daily calories. Use high-fiber, whole grain breads and cereals as they digest much slower and don't cause spikes in your sugar levels.
Protein & Fats
According the NIH, 2 to 3 servings of protein should be consumed per day. Protein is found in meat, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. One serving of these is as follows: 2 to 3 oz. of cooked meat, poultry or fish, 1/2 cup of cooked beans, 1 egg, 2 tbsp. peanut butter or 12 to 15 nuts.
Do not stop fats altogether. Fats are important for your baby's growth, especially her brain development. Stick to "good fats" such as olive oil and mono-unsaturated fat, 2 to 3 servings per day. Avoid high-fat cheese, butter or bacon/ham products.
Fruits & Vegetables
The NIH recommended GD diet continues with 2 to 4 servings per day of fruits. Fresh is better than canned or frozen and usually contains more fiber. Citrus is best to avoid sugar spikes.
Have 3 to 5 servings per day of vegetables. Dark green and deep yellow veggies are rich in nutrients and fiber. Spinach, broccoli, romaine, carrots and peppers are good choices, as well.
Grains & Dairy
You should aim for 6 servings of grains, beans or starchy vegetables, such as potatoes and corn. Remember that 1 serving of rice or pasta is only 1/2 cup. Good choices are whole-grain products, pita bread, English muffins and tortillas.
Dairy products are important for calcium, but can often hide fat and sugar. Use low fat, low sugar yogurt and milk and have 4 servings of dairy each day. Portion sizes of these are not to be overlooked.
