Diet For Gestational Diabetes: A Guide To Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes, or diabetes during pregnancy, is a condition in which a pregnant woman's blood sugar level increases. It can also affect those who do not yet have diabetes. This occurs when the insulin in the pregnant woman's body cannot function properly due to the hormones produced by the placenta, and this problem is also called insulin resistance. As a result, the body requires more insulin to manage blood sugar levels.

If not treated, problems from gestational diabetes can include macrosomia (bearing a huge baby), premature birth, and a higher chance of type 2 diabetes in the future for both the mother and the child. Managing gestational diabetes is essential to preserving stable blood sugar levels and safeguarding the health of mother and child. One of the most important things in reducing problems and managing blood sugar levels is eating a balanced diet.

Let us dive into this blog to learn about diet for gestational diabetes, tips for a healthy diet, meal plans for gestational diabetes and foods to avoid this meal plan.

Table Of Contents

1. Foods To Include In Gestational Diabetes Healthy Diet Plan 

2. Meal Plan For Gestational Diabetes

3. Foods To Avoid For Gestational Diabetes 

4. Healthy Diet Tips For Gestational Diabetes Healthy Diet

5. Dietitian's Recommendation

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

8. References

Foods To Include In Gestational Diabetes Healthy Diet Plan

Gestational diabetes is a condition where a woman develops high blood sugar during pregnancy due to hormones that prevent normal insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes occurs in about 7 per cent of all pregnancies. It usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy and may disappear after delivery. 

However, complications may arise if gestational diabetes is left untreated, and the complications of gestational diabetes for the baby and the mother are many and can be severe. Although pregnant women may not have any symptoms, gestational diabetes shares many symptoms with general diabetes.

Also Read: Hypertensive Disorders In Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment 

Making dietary changes to assist you in maintaining a balanced diet and blood sugar within a normal range is the first step in managing gestational diabetes. By including some superfoods in your diet, you can avoid problems caused by diabetes during pregnancy.

At the same time, with the help of these foods, diabetic pregnant women will also be able to control their cravings for unhealthy foods. So, the superfoods that can be included in the diet for gestational diabetes:

There is a higher risk of diabetes during pregnancy. Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy should control their blood sugar levels by including the above foods in their diet.

Also Read: A Guide To Healthy Diet During Pregnancy: Foods To Eat & Avoid

Meal Plan For Gestational Diabetes (Sample)

Here is an example of a diet for gestational diabetes or a meal plan for gestational diabetes:

Also Read: Low Blood Pressure During Pregnancy: Risks & Foods | ToneOp 

Foods To Avoid During Gestational Diabetes 

Here are some foods you must avoid for gestational diabetes:

Also Read: Explore These 10 Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy And Important Nutrition Considerations 

Healthy Diet Tips For Gestational Diabetes 

Along with following a diet for gestational diabetes, you should keep these diet tips in mind: 

1. Eat Small Meals 

Eating heavy meals suddenly increases blood sugar levels in the body. In this situation, a pregnant woman should eat small meals at short intervals. Three main meals of the day, i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner, should be taken at three-hour intervals, and three small meals, such as midday snacks and bedtime snacks, should be taken at intervals of three hours.

2. Eat Protein For Slow Absorption Of Glucose

Protein is absorbed more slowly than carbohydrates, which helps control blood sugar levels. Therefore, try to increase the amount of protein in your diet by reducing the amount of carbohydrates. 

You should include proteins with high biological value, such as milk, meat, eggs, fish, etc. Along with this, you can also include legumes, beans, soy and peanuts in your diet. You can have protein in your diet with carbohydrates such as dal and roti, dalia khichdi, gram flour mixed flour roti, egg bhurji and roti, etc.

3. Foods Rich In Magnesium

Magnesium helps keep muscles and nerves healthy, strengthens bones, and controls blood sugar levels. Magnesium-rich foods are essential for keeping your energy and blood sugar stable. Not only are foods high in magnesium delightful, but they are also very healthful, such as avocados, almonds, and spinach. 

4. Choose Healthier Carbohydrates 

All carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels, so you need to know which foods contain carbohydrates. The type and amount of carbohydrates you eat or drink affect your blood sugar levels. The quantity difference is the most notable. Including whole grains and other carbohydrates will help you feel satisfied for longer periods of time and help control your blood sugar levels.

Complex carbs and fibre can be found in whole grains, including wheat, brown rice, and oats. These components slow down the breakdown and absorption of glucose, which helps to stabilise blood sugar levels. A steady blood sugar level can be maintained throughout the day with the assistance of this gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream.

Furthermore, during pregnancy, whole grains offer vital elements like magnesium, iron, and B vitamins that are critical for both the health of the mother and the developing fetus.

5. Foods With A Low Glycemic Index

Using foods with a low glycemic index can reduce blood sugar levels. The glycemic index tells how quickly your body's blood sugar rises after eating food. You should choose carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, such as beans (rajma, chickpeas), legumes, apples, oranges, fenugreek, spinach, barley, oats, buckwheat, etc.

6. Eat 3 Meals And 2-3 Snacks A Day

Overeating at once can cause your blood sugar to become too high. Eat small meals and snacks. Pregnancy has raised your nutritional needs, and your unborn child depends on you to provide them with a healthy diet.

7. Measure Your Servings Of Starchy Foods

Include a choice of starch with each meal. A reasonable serving size is about 1 cup of cooked rice, cereal, noodles, potatoes, or 2 pieces of bread per meal. By including carbs in their meals, expectant mothers may be sure they are getting enough nutrients, such as minerals and B vitamins, to support their health and the proper development of their unborn child.

8. Drink Milk 

Milk is a healthy food and an essential source of calcium. Because it is a liquid, lactose is absorbed quickly. One cup of milk at a time is the ideal amount to consume. Regular milk consumption throughout pregnancy can help guarantee that the mother and unborn child receive essential nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins B and D, which promote general health and the growth of the unborn child's skeletal and muscular systems.

9. Consume Fruits

Fruit is nutrient-dense; however, it can only be consumed in a single serving at a time due to its natural sugar content. A serving of fruit is approximately one cup of mixed fruit, one small piece of fruit, or ½ of a large fruit. Steer clear of syrup-preserved fruit.

Vital vitamins and minerals are provided by them, including potassium that aids in blood pressure regulation, folate that is critical for the development of the fetal brain and spinal cord, and vitamin C that strengthens the immune system and aids in iron absorption.

10. Eat More Fibre

Try whole-grain bread, brown rice, wild rice, whole oats, barley, millet, or any other whole grain. Include lentils, peas, and all kinds of beans: pinto, red, black, or garbanzo. These meals include more fibre and lower blood sugar levels than refined carbohydrates like white bread and white rice.

11. Do Not Skip Breakfast

It can be difficult to control blood sugar in the morning because pregnancy hormones are high. These hormones can raise your blood sugar before you even eat. Fruit, milk, and dry cereal are better options for breakfast because they digest quickly and can raise blood sugar levels quickly. A breakfast of whole grains and protein-rich foods is usually best.

Also Read: Top 10 Foods That Help To Manage Diabetes

Dietitian's Recommendation

When planning your gestational diabetes diet, choose healthy Indian foods that contain complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, such as oats, paneer, mixed nuts, etc. Supplement your diet with 2 litres of water a day, light aerobic exercise, and 7-8 hours of sleep. Make time for routine check-ups with your physician to track your pregnancy's overall progress and blood sugar levels.

                                                                    Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

In conclusion, managing gestational diabetes through diet is essential for the health of both the mother and the baby. A balanced diet for gestational diabetes should focus on slow-digesting carbohydrates, lean protein sources, and healthy fats to help maintain stable blood sugar levels. 

Legumes, low-sugar fruits, whole grains, and green vegetables can all contribute vital nutrients while reducing blood sugar increases. To effectively manage this illness, it's also critical to keep an eye on meal time and quantity levels. Women with gestational diabetes can have good pregnancies and lower their chance of issues for both themselves and their unborn child by following advice from medical specialists and adopting educated dietary decisions.

FAQs

1. What is a good bedtime snack for gestational diabetes?

Pregnant diabetics are recommended to drink a glass of warm, low-fat milk before going to bed. In many cases, a glass of warm milk helped women sleep better while controlling their blood glucose levels. Other bedtime snacks for gestational diabetes that you can have are carrot sticks, cucumber slices, dry-roasted chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs.

2. What can I drink to lower my blood sugar when I am pregnant?

Water is a calorie- and carbohydrate-free beverage that is perfect to have throughout pregnancy. According to studies, water consumption has been linked to improved blood sugar regulation. Water should be consumed in large glasses both during and after meals. Additionally, maintaining steady glucose levels requires water.

3. What foods should be included in a gestational diabetes diet plan?

Foods that should be included in a gestational diabetes diet plan are:

• Almonds

• Eggs

• Curd

• Chia Seeds

• Kidney Beans

References

• https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/gestational-diabetes

• https://pharmeasy.in/conditions/diabetes/diet-for-gestational-diabetes/

• https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007430.htm

• https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/family/superfoods-for-diabetes-in-pregnancy-in-hindi/articleshow/76804720.cms?story=5 

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