Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes, a disease that affects how the body metabolizes glucose, or blood sugar. Gestational diabetes is a temporary diabetic condition that occurs during pregnancy and generally ends once the baby is born. According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, those who have gestational diabetes are at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. A healthy dietary lifestyle that supports blood sugar management is recommended for women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy and thereafter as a means of promoting a healthy pregnancy and preventing further disease.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which support a strong immune system and help fend off infection and disease. The Mayo Clinic suggests an increase in fruit and vegetable intake for women with gestational diabetes as they are high in nutrients yet low in fat and calories. Making such healthy foods choices can help support healthy weight management, which is important for pregnant women, particularly those with gestational diabetes. Incorporate a variety of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular, consistent basis to reap the most nutritional benefits. Fruits and vegetables particularly high in antioxidants include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apples, oranges, grapefruit, cherries, papaya, broccoli, spinach, kale, mustard greens and tomatoes.
Whole Grains
Carbohydrates provide the body with energy in the form of glucose. The American Diabetic Association suggests whole grains over refined grains, such as white flour and sugar-based foods, as they provide a broad range of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Whole grains are also rich in dietary fiber, which can help support healthy weight management and reduce risk for heart disease and other conditions. Incorporate a variety of healthy whole grains, such as bulgur (cracked wheat), whole wheat, whole oats, popcorn, brown rice, whole rye, whole grain barley, wild rice, buckwheat and quinoa into your diet routinely for best results. When purchasing breads, pastas and crackers, check the ingredients list to ensure that a whole grain is listed as a primary ingredient.
As you incorporate whole grains, keep in mind that all carbohydrates, even healthy varieties, must consumed in appropriate amounts and in proper balance in order to manage blood sugar levels properly. Since whole grains are lower-glycemic (provide a milder effect on blood sugar) than processed "white" carbohydrates, choosing primarily whole grain carbohydrates can make blood sugar management more feasible. Talk with your doctor or trusted dietitian regarding ways to best manage and monitor blood sugar levels throughout your pregnancy.
Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3 fats, also known as Omega-3 fatty acids, are essential fats the body can't produce on its own. Natural health and wellness expert, Andrew Weil, M.D., suggests Omega-3 fat intake as a crucial element of a healthy gestational diabetes diet. Valuable sources of Omega-3 fats include fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines, as well as flax seeds, flax seed oil, walnuts, walnut oil and canola oil Since saturated and trans-fats, commonly found in fatty meat, high-fat dairy products, processed snacks and deep-fried foods, increase one's risk for heart disease, obesity and diabetes, replacing these fats with modest amounts of healthy Omega-3 fats is optimum. Incorporate a variety of Omega-3 fat sources into your diet regularly for best potential results.
