Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), out of every 100 pregnant women in the U.S., three to eight get gestational diabetes. The goals of treatment are to keep blood glucose levels within normal limits during the pregnancy. Managing diet can provide calories and nutrients needed during pregnancy while controlling blood glucose levels.
Meal Planning
Try to eat three small meals and two or three snacks at regular intervals with consistent amounts of carbohydrate foods during each meal and snack. Do not skip meals or snacks. Eat less carbohydrate at breakfast than at other meals because this is when insulin resistance may be the greatest. If morning sickness is a problem, try eating one to two servings of crackers, cereal or pretzels before getting out of bed. If you are taking insulin and have morning sickness, be aware of signs and symptoms of both hypo- and hyperglycemia. Your doctor can tell you what to look for and what to do about symptoms if they occur.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are foods that have the greatest influence on blood glucose levels. It is important to control the amount of blood sugar elevation by eating the same amount of carbohydrate along with some protein and fat at each meal. Choose grains that are high in fiber such as whole-grain bread or crackers, whole-grain tortillas, bran cereal, brown rice and oatmeal. Use whole-wheat or other whole-grain flours in cooking and baking. Choose low-fat breads, bagels, tortillas, English muffins and pita bread. Fruits are carbohydrates that contain natural sugar. Choose whole fruits more often than juices because the actual fruits have more fiber than their juice. When choosing fruit juices or canned fruits choose ones that do not have added sweeteners or syrups. Milk has natural sugar in it, as well. Milk products such as yogurt can contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners, so choose unsweetened, unflavored varieties.
Sweets
A healthy diet often means including more fruits, vegetables and whole grains into the diet while limiting simple sugars, including sweets. Sweets like baked goods are high in fat and sugar, so keep portion sizes small. Other tips to try include splitting a serving of dessert with others. Try to choose sweets that are sugar-free if available. According to diabeticmommy.com, the use of non-nutritive or artificial sweeteners is approved by the FDA as acceptable during pregnancy.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Gestational diabetes
- MedlinePlus: Gestational diabetes
- American Diabetes Association: How to Treat Gestational Diabetes
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC): What I need to know about Gestational Diabetes
- Diabetic Mommy Online Magazine: Nutrition Basics For Women with Gestational Diabetes
