The purpose of your diet while pregnant with diabetes is to avoid abnormally high or low blood glucose levels while optimizing nutrients for yourself and your baby. A healthy diet is a balanced one with items from each food group. Pregnant diabetics should not attempt to create a diet for themselves, notes the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Rather, they should follow the dietary recommendations of their health care provider. Those recommendations might include foods from the following groups: meat and meat substitutes, dairy, fruits and vegetables, fats and oils, grains and legumes.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Meat and meat substitutes provide protein that you and your developing baby need. Protein is an especially important part of a diabetic diet because it is converted to glucose in your bloodstream more slowly than carbohydrates. This helps you manage your blood glucose levels and prevent hunger between meals. Lean meats, fish and eggs are healthy options for a diabetic diet. The American Diabetes Association's "Superfoods" list recommends 6 to 9 oz. of fish per week, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as cod, salmon and mackerel. Nuts, beans, legumes and soy protein from foods such as tofu are some of the meat substitutes your dietitian might recommend.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are an important addition to your diet because they are rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins that benefit a healthy pregnancy. Whole grains are also important for diabetics because they are converted to glucose more slowly than refined grains such as white flour and white rice. Examples of whole grain foods include oats, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, spelt and millet.
Monitor the total carb content from all foods in your diet and your blood glucose levels. One hour after eating, your blood glucose should be no higher than 140 mg/dL, or 120 mg/dL two hours after a meal, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are dense in a wide range of nutrients and are fiber-rich, yet low in calories and fat. Dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and berries are on the American Diabetes Association's "Superfoods" list. The amount of carbs in fruits and vegetables varies greatly, so it's important to read labels for the total carb content of each food. Still, fresh fruits are a healthy alternative to satisfy cravings for sweets such as baked goods and candy, which might be higher in fat and sugar.
Fats, Oils and Dairy
Fats and oils are necessary for a healthy diet with or without diabetes. Alone, fats and oils do not contain carbs, but they do contribute to a sense of fullness that helps you prevent overeating. Oils that are liquid at room temperature and come from plant-based foods are rich in healthy fats that a developing fetus needs. Examples include olive, flax and canola oils. They also keep your nervous and cardiovascular systems healthy. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products such as skim milk are also rich in vitamins and minerals that support a healthy pregnancy.
