Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed between the 24th and 28th week of the pregnancy. Having diabetes during the pregnancy does not mean that you will have diabetes afterward, but it does require diet and lifestyle changes to ensure good health for you and your baby. If untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to complications.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are nutrients in the diet that affect blood glucose, or sugar. Carbs are found in most foods including grains such as wheat, oats, rice and corn, potatoes, peas and other starchy vegetables, dried peas and beans, milk and yogurt, fruits and fruit juice and sweets or snack foods. Carbohydrates can be counted in the diet as carb grams or "carb choices." One carb choice is equal to 15 g of carbs. Carbs are necessary for a healthy diet during pregnancy, but too many at one time can lead to elevated blood sugars.
How Many Carbs to Eat
Your pancreas manufactures insulin, the hormone the body uses to lower blood sugar levels. In gestational diabetes you become resistant to the effects of insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar. This insulin resistance is typically at its peak in the mornings, and therefore a small breakfast is needed, consisting of two carb choices or 30 g of carbs. At lunch and dinner you can eat three to four carb choices at each meal. Snacks should be added in between meals and should contain one to two carb choices, or 15 to 30 g of carbs. If you have gestational diabetes, it is important to talk with a registered dietitian for the best meal plan for your needs.
What Carbs to Eat
There are different types of carbohydrates in the diet. During pregnancy, women should avoid large amounts of refined carbs, because these tend to affect blood sugar levels more than unrefined carbs. Refined, processed carbohydrates are found in white breads, cookies, cakes, crackers, chips, candy and soda. Eat whole grains, fruits, milk, and yogurt as carbohydrates to provide adequate vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These carbs tend to digest more slowly than the refined grains and sugars and therefore have less of an effect on your blood sugar.
Balancing Diet and Activity
Diet is not the only method to treat gestational diabetes. Activity also plays a role. Adding activity can help control blood sugars but you may need to add snacks to provide energy for exercise. A small carbohydrate snack with a little protein such as nuts, peanut butter, or cheese, for example, can provide energy to allow for a more beneficial work out and prevent the possibility of low blood sugars when taking insulin. Be sure to discuss your activity with your provider prior to starting.
