Pregnancy-induced diabetes, also known as gestational diabetes, occurs in around three to eight out of every 100 pregnant women, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse reports. Like other forms of diabetes, it is a condition that involves excessively high levels of blood sugar. Treating pregnancy-induced diabetes requires controlling the amount of glucose in the body and keeping it at a normal level throughout the course of the pregnancy. Therefore, expectant mothers with this condition should know what foods to include and avoid in their diet.
Gestational Diabetes Overview
Gestational diabetes is caused by the significant hormonal changes that all women undergo when they become pregnant. Certain types of hormones in the placenta hinder the glucose-managing ability of the mother's insulin. This so-called insulin resistance only increases as the pregnancy progresses and the placenta enlarges. If the mother's pancreas fails to compensate for the effect of pregnancy hormones by producing even more insulin, blood sugar can reach unhealthy levels, resulting in gestational diabetes.
Complications
When excessively high blood sugar is left untreated, this can lead to health complications for both mother and baby, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Pregnancy-induced diabetes does not cause diabetes in the child. However, it increases the risk of premature delivery by causing abnormal weight gain in the baby, since it pushes the child's system to over-produce insulin. In addition, gestational diabetes increases the likelihood of miscarriage and birth defects involving the baby's brain and heart. Lastly, mothers with gestational diabetes have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes afterward.
What to Eat
Eating the right amount and variety of healthy foods is critical for keeping an optimal blood sugar balance. A low-glycemic diet is the best way to do this, the American Diabetes Association recommends. This means eating mostly foods that have a low impact on blood sugar levels, including nutritious fruits and vegetables like apricots, apples, berries, grapefruit, plums, pears, cherries, asparagus, artichokes, cauliflower, eggplant, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and cucumbers. Whole grains should be the main source of carbohydrates; as for protein, low-fat dairy products and white meat poultry are the best options.
What to Avoid
Some types of food may increase the risk for diabetes, especially those that contain saturated fats and trans fats. Foods with high saturated fat content include dark-meat poultry, butter, fatty red meat, whole milk, cream, deep-fried foods, eggs, high-fat cheeses and many processed foods. Trans fats can be found in foods made with shortening, margarine and hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ideally, trans fats should be completely avoided while saturated fats should make up no more than 7 percent of total daily caloric intake, MayoClinic.com advises. In addition, refined carbohydrates in pasta, rice, cereals, enriched breads and processed snacks should also be restricted.
Changing Your Diet
Mothers with pregnancy-induced diabetes should make it a point not to skip meals and snacks, the University of Michigan Health System advises. Keep your mealtimes as regular as possible; ideally, these should include three balanced, small meals with a snack in between each. Carbohydrate intake should be consistent. During breakfast, however, try to eat fewer carbohydrates because insulin resistance is typically greatest at this time. If you have morning sickness, have some crackers, pretzels or cereal before getting out of bed. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. And lastly, make sure you consult with your doctor regarding personalized dietary advice and prenatal vitamin supplements.
