Women who are pregnant must change their eating habits to ensure their developing baby gets all the necessary nutrients. However, when a woman has diabetes before she becomes pregnant, blood sugar fluctuations can increase her risk of pregnancy complications. Following a diabetes diet designed for pregnancy is a must.
Type 2 Diabetes
Women with Type 2 diabetes have difficulty converting sugar to energy for their cells, either because they do not produce enough insulin or because their body can't use its own insulin. While most people are able to control their Type 2 diabetes through diet, others may require the use of insulin, either in the form of pills or injections. Once a woman becomes pregnant, however, her dietary needs change. In addition, some women who did not previously use insulin may require it after pregnancy, per the American Diabetes Association.
Importance of Diet
Diet plays a key role in diabetes management both before and during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women with Type 2 diabetes consult their doctors when considering pregnancy as both dietary and medication needs may change. Monitoring your blood sugar is one of the most important pregnancy preparations; the CDC reports that blood sugar control prior to conception may prevent certain birth defects. While it is vital to meet with a dietitian to plan your pregnancy meals, it is also essential that you check your blood sugar more frequently to monitor any significant changes. This can help you plan any necessary adjustments to your food intake in order to keep your sugar levels more steady over time.
General Diet Guidelines
MedlinePlus provides the following daily guidelines for pregnant women with diabetes: six servings of grains, three to five vegetables, two to four fruits, four dairy servings and two to three meats or meat equivalents. Starchy vegetables, like corn and potatoes, are included in the grain category. Some examples of meat substitutes include nuts, eggs and fish. Choosing low-fat or skim dairy over higher fat versions can help you save calories without sacrificing key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. When cooking meats and vegetables, opt for low-fat prep methods over heavy sauces or butter. Don't eliminate all fats from your diet, but do moderate them to avoid excessive weight gain and blood glucose fluctuations. Keep in mind these are general guidelines. Your doctor or dietitian will tailor a program to your specific needs, which may vary based on your weight, age and general activity level.
Sample Meals
Applying general guidelines to meals is not always easy, but can be accomplished with planning. Include a protein and two fruits and/or vegetables at each meal, which gives you a good start toward meeting your daily requirements. In addition, include either two grains per meal, or a grain per meal and three grain snacks between meals. To get enough dairy, try having a glass of skim milk for meals, or include dairy in your snacks. A sample breakfast could be an egg, a slice of wholegrain toast, an apple with a cup of fresh berries, and a glass of skim milk. Some healthy snack choices include carrot sticks or broccoli florets with hummus, or yogurt with chopped banana and a handful of nuts. Lunch and dinner may include lean meats with two vegetables, and a side of brown rice or a bean salad. Planning a few sample menus ahead of time can help you make wise choices when you are short on time or ideas.
