Gestational diabetes is a condition involving high blood sugar that is caused by hormonal changes while a woman is pregnant. The Cleveland Clinic says dietary lifestyle changes as an important part of treatment for those who are affected. Avoiding particular foods can help keep blood sugar, or glucose levels, in balance. Discuss healthy dietary guidelines with your doctor for best results.
Sugary Foods
Reduce your sugar intake if you have gestational diabetes, as high sugar intake can spike blood sugar levels and exacerbate symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Limit your intake of sodas, candy, chocolate bars, sugary cereals, cookies, brownies, cakes, pies and ice cream. Replace sugary cereals with high-fiber, whole grain varieties, which may help support blood sugar levels. Enjoy fresh fruit, apple sauce or dried apricots as natural, low-sugar sweets and balance all sweet or starchy foods with other nutrient groups, such as dietary sources of protein and/or fiber for best blood sugar results.
Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates, such as enriched or white flour-based breads, pasta, crackers and other snack foods, are high in glycemic index, a measure of how greatly particular foods affect blood sugar levels. A study published in "Vascular Health Risk Management" in 2009 showed that women who consumed an overall high glycemic diet had lower blood sugar levels and were less likely to need insulin during pregnancy than those who adhered to a low glycemic diet. Limit your intake of processed carbohydrate foods. If you do consume a refined or "white" carbohydrate, balance it appropriately with a food that is lower in glycemic index, such as low-fat yogurt or lean poultry. Choose whole grain carbohydrates most often, for best results.
High-Ffat Foods
Dietary fat is dense in calories and can evoke or worsen symptoms of gestational diabetes. Limiting your fat intake to no more than 30 percent of overall calories as a means to prevent or help treat gestational diabetes, advises Iowa University Hospitals and Clinics. Saturated fats, such as those found in red and processed meats, high-fat dairy products and fried foods, can increase risk for heart disease and other related diseases. Instead, seek healthier fats, such as olive oil, canola oil, nuts, flax seeds and fatty fish and keep portion sizes modest. Choose low-fat milk over whole milk and replace red meat with lean cuts of poultry or legumes most often. A diet low or moderate in healthy fats is important, but do not eliminate fat completely, as it is is essential for proper nutrient absorption and overall health during and after your pregnancy.
