Diabetes refers to conditions characterized by high blood sugar, or blood glucose, levels. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and typically ends once your baby is born. Since gestational diabetes can harm you and your infant, the American Diabetes Association recommends prompt treatment, which may include daily glucose monitoring, insulin injections and dietary changes. Since gestational diabetes increases your risk for type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend permanent dietary lifestyle changes.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are complex carbohydrate sources that provide more nutrients, fiber and protein than refined carbohydrate sources, such as white bread and sweets. Whole grains are also low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on blood sugar levels. According to research published in "Diabetes Care" in March 2009, low-glycemic foods can help manage gestational diabetes. In the study, 31 women with gestational diabetes consumed a low-glycemic diet or a high-glycemic, high-fiber diet, for 12 months. By the study's end, the women consuming the low-glycemic diet required roughly half as much insulin as the women who did not. To reap benefits of a low-glycemic diet, replace enriched breads, pasta, rice, cereals and snack foods with whole grain equivalents most often. Examples of low-glycemic, nutritious whole grain foods include 100 percent whole wheat or whole grain bread, old fashioned oatmeal, long-grain brown rice, wild rice, barley soup, whole grain cold cereals and air-popped popcorn.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of antioxidants, which help your body defend itself from infections and disease. Emphasizing fruits and vegetables in your diet can lead to improved weight management and heart health and improved blood sugar levels. Losing even most amounts of excess body weight may help reduce the effects of gestational diabetes. Choose whole, colorful fruits and vegetables most often, which tend to provide more nutrients and blood sugar benefits than juices, canned fruit and dried fruit. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in nutrients and fiber, which enhances satiation and digestive function, include berries, cherries, citrus fruits, kiwi, papaya, tomatoes, leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes and squash.
Lean Protein Sources
Protein-rich foods have a mellowing impact on blood sugar levels and promote satiation between meals. The American Dietetic Association recommends that all women reap protein from both plant and animal-derived sources during pregnancy and consume rich amounts of calcium. Choose lean protein sources, such as tofu, legumes, skinless white-meat poultry and fish most often since saturated fat sources, such as red meat and whole milk, increase your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Fish, seafood and skim or low-fat dairy products are rich in protein and calcium. Consume lean protein sources as components of nutritious, balanced meals and snacks for best blood sugar-managing results.
References
- American Diabetes Association: How to Treat Gestational Diabetes
- "Diabetes Care"; Gestational Diabetes: Can a Low Glycemic Index Diet Reduce the Need for Insulin? A Randomised Trial; Robert G. Moses MD; March 2009
- Harvard School of Public Health: Vegetables and Fruits
- American Dietetic Association: Eating Right During Pregnancy
