Gestational diabetes occurs when hormones from your placenta interfere with your body's ability to use glucose effectively. For most women, gestational diabetes can be controlled through diet and exercise, without the use of medication, and this type of insulin resistance usually goes away shortly after giving birth. Monitoring your blood sugar levels can lower the risk of complications, such as jaundice, hypoglycemia and respiratory problems for your infant. Women with gestational diabetes often have babies with higher-than-average birth weights, which require a C-section delivery.
Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates and Calories
The American Diabetes Association suggests that women with gestational diabetes consume 30 percent of their calories from protein, 30 percent from fat and 40 percent from carbs. Only carbs raise your blood sugar levels; fat, protein and fiber slow the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream. During your second and third trimesters you'll need an additional 200 to 300 calories per day. You can also calculate your caloric needs by eating 12 calories per pound of body weight. During her second trimester, a 175-lb. woman would need 2,100 calories daily; 840 calories from carbs and 630 calories each of fat and protein.
Breakfast
It's important to eat relatively soon after waking up, because your blood sugar is likely to be low in the morning. Although you want to eat some complex carbs in the morning, your breakfast should include protein and fat. A carb-heavy meal when your blood sugar is low will send glucose levels soaring -- and your goal is to keep you glucose levels stable. Avoid pancakes, waffles and syrup. Eat eggs, cheese, yogurt, fresh fruit and whole grain cereal or bread. Cheese and yogurt contain calcium, which you and your baby need for strong bones. If you don't have time to cook in the mornings, try a smoothie made from yogurt and fresh or frozen fruit.
Lunch
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and legumes to ensure you and your baby get all the essential vitamins you both need. Lunch should include protein, either lean animal protein such as fish, chicken or turkey, or plant protein such as beans or nuts; healthy fat, especially polyunsaturated omega-3 fats, found in fatty fish and nuts -- critical for fetal brain and eye development; and complex carbs such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains that are high in fiber. Try a turkey and cheese sandwich on whole grain bread or a green salad with black beans and sunflower seeds.
Dinner
Avoid overeating at dinner. You don't want to eat a large meal shortly before bedtime. You may also need to skip dessert, or simply eat a piece of fruit. Soda and juice may cause your blood sugar level to rise too quickly, but staying hydrated is important. Try to drink water, club soda or unsweetened herbal tea with your meals. Dinner, like breakfast and lunch, should be a combination of protein, fat and carbs. Grilled chicken, a small baked sweet potato and a green vegetable served with ginger tea is a well-balanced meal.
Snacks
The key to stabilizing your blood sugar is to eat every three to four hours. In addition to three meals a day, you may need to eat two or three snacks. Healthy snacks should follow the same rules as meals, and include protein, fat and carbohydrates. Don't eat carbs by themselves -- if you simply want a piece of fruit, make sure to have a handful of nuts to add fat and protein, slowing the absorption of sugar. Other snack ideas include hummus and carrot sticks or whole grain pita, a cup of chicken noodle soup, half a sandwich, or cheese and whole grain crackers.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Gestational Diabetes -- Treatment and Drugs
- Diabetic Mommy: Nutrition Basics for Women With Gestational Diabetes
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: What Should I Do If I Have Gestational Diabetes; August 2006
- Gestational Diabetic Diet for Diabetes: Gestational Diabetes Meal Planning
