When pregnant women have diabetes, they must carefully monitor their diet to prevent wild blood sugar fluctuations, which could cause problems for both them and their unborn babies. While some women might require the use of insulin during pregnancy, many others can control their blood sugar simply by following a specialized diet and routinely monitoring their glucose levels.
General Guidelines
According to Medline Plus, the average woman with diabetes should have the following servings per food group every day: two to three proteins, four dairy, three to five vegetables, two to four fruits and six starches. This is just a guideline; your own needs can vary based on your overall activity level as well as whether you use insulin to control your blood sugar levels. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control can reduce the risk of diabetes-related pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor and birth defects.
Breakfast
For breakfast, try combining a protein with a starch and get a jump-start on your fruit and dairy servings. Try low-fat yogurt mixed with fresh berries and a cup of granola, with an egg on the side. Or have a slice of wholegrain toast with 2 tbsp. of peanut butter, a sliced medium banana and a glass of skim milk. You could also make an omelet or a frittata with a single egg, a cup of diced vegetables and a handful of low-fat cheese such as mozzarella. Serve with a whole wheat English muffin.
Lunch and Dinner
Spinach is a healthy choice for pregnant women with diabetes and makes a great base for a salad. Before you roll your eyes, remember that you can add whatever you want, within reason, to your salad. To make it more appealing, add a few ounces of lean chicken, a handful or sliced almonds and mandarin orange slices and a low-fat, yogurt-based dressing. Other healthy lunch options include wholegrain bread with chicken salad, carrot slices and hummus. Add a yogurt cup or a glass of skim milk to either option. For dinner, try 2 to 3 oz. of lean meat along with two different steamed vegetables and couscous. Or make a bean and vegetable salad.
Snacks
Snacks are key for pregnant women with diabetes and can keep their blood sugar levels from dropping too low during the stretches between meals. The American Diabetes Association recommends checking your blood sugar levels more frequently when pregnant, which can help you plan your ideal snack times. Keep in mind that these times might vary from day to day based on your activity level and menu choices. Ideal snacks round out anything that might be missing from your other meals, such as your last serving of dairy or a few fruits and veggies. Try to vary your snacks to prevent boredom. Some great snacks include fresh fruits, a cup of yogurt, skim string cheese, whole wheat pita bread with hummus, and a bowl of high-fiber cereal with skim milk.
