Pregnant women must be mindful of their diet so their babies get the nutrition they need for development; however, those who have type 1 diabetes must be even more careful. By monitoring weight gain and nutrition, a diabetic woman can have a healthy pregnancy and minimize her chance of complications.
Diabetes and Pregnancy
There are several types of diabetes that can affect a woman during pregnancy. Some women are diabetic before they become pregnant, such as those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Other women develop a temporary form of diabetes during their pregnancy, which is called gestational diabetes. While all types require close attention to the diet, women with type 1 diabetes often require a combination of insulin use and a modified diet in order to sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels
Women with type 1 diabetes probably controlled their blood sugar levels with regular doses of insulin and frequent blood glucose tests before they became pregnant. This process continues to be important throughout pregnancy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, recommend women with preexisting diabetes -- such as type 1 diabetes -- check their blood sugar levels more frequently than usual. In addition, following a healthy diet can prevent dangerous blood sugar fluctuations.
Choosing Carbohydrates Wisely
Good carbohydrate choices for pregnant women with diabetes include those with fiber and whole grains, which not only pack more nutrients but may help control blood sugar levels and cravings for longer. Some ideal carbohydrates include leafy greens, low-fat fortified breads like pita, beans, and fresh fruits like citrus. Medline Plus recommends six servings of starches like breads or pasta, three to fixe servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit daily. Even when carb choices are healthy, however, carb binging can cause rapid rises and falls in blood sugar levels, which can spell trouble for the developing baby. Medline Plus suggests pregnant women with diabetes eat a steady level of carbohydrates throughout the day rather than eating a large amount of carbs at one sitting and few at the next. In addition, they recommend limiting concentrated sweets, such as pastries and sugary drinks.
Other Foods
Proteins, dairy and fats are also important for diabetic women during pregnancy. Medline Plus recommends pregnant women get around two to three servings of protein daily, and four servings of dairy or its equivalent. When able, they should opt for the low-fat varieties which still pack a nutritional punch, but with fewer fat calories. In other words, choose lean meats like poultry, and 1-percent or skim dairy products. While healthy eating is a must, Medline Plus warns pregnant women from cutting too much fat from their diets; instead, they recommend opting for healthy fats such as small amounts of olive oil and margarine. The occasional treat is still ok, provided you are mindful of the effects on your blood sugar levels. If in doubt, consult your doctor or a nutritionist.
