Diet Plan for Gestational Diabetes

A good diet plan can help prevent gestational diabetes. About 4% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes when their bodies cannot maintain healthy levels of blood glucose. This does not mean the mother will have diabetes after giving birth, as mostly, they are free of diabetes again when they are not pregnant. This can be controlled with a proper diet through the help of a good diet plan.

The right food in a diet plan is important most especially during pregnancy and if gestational diabetes occurs. Diabetes happens when blood sugar is high either because of lack of insulin or because the body does not listen to insulin. Insulin pushes the sugar in the blood to the cells to turn it into usable fuel for body energy.

High blood sugar can be damaging for both the mother and her baby. Thus, it is essential to keep blood sugar at normal level. One way of doing so is to watch food intake. Following a diet plan can be very helpful. It is highly recommended to see a dietitian who is the best person who can make sure that he formulates a diet plan for your gestational diabetes that suits you with consideration to your height, weight, physical activity, glucose intolerance, personal food preferences and your growing baby’s needs. If you are taking insulin shots and some medications, your dietitian takes that into account too.

The dietitian determines your needs for daily calories and portion sizes. He takes notes of your present eating habits to ensure you get enough minerals and vitamins. He balances your meals for the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

General guide

Eat various foods, evenly distributing carbohydrates and calories for the day. It is recommended that you take 3 small or moderate meals and 2 to 4 snacks daily and that includes snacks after dinner. Ideally, carbohydrates in the diet plan for gestational diabetes ideally are those with more fiber. Protein should be present at every meal and snacks and it can be paired with carbs. Protein helps sustain energy as well as helps give better control of blood sugar.

Foods that are high-fiber, vegetables, fruits, cereals, whole grain breads, peas, dried peas and other legumes are better than simple carbohydrates since the body absorbs them slower and that can help your blood sugar levels safe especially after meals.

Avoid beverages and foods with simple sugars like fruit juice, soda, flavored waters, flavored teas and desserts. They can quickly increase blood sugar. If you need some sweets or want to use artificial sweeteners, ask advice from your healthcare professional.

Eating habits

Be consistent in following your gestational diet plan. Your gestational diabetes shall remain controlled and your blood sugar shall be stable if your food is consistently spread throughout the day. Do not skip meals. Eat breakfast as blood sugar levels likely gets out of control in the morning. To keep it at a healthy level, limit carbs (cereal, milk, fruit, bread). Boost protein (cheese, peanut butter, eggs, nuts) instead and avoid juice.

Gradually increase exercise and physical activity to keep you healthy. Ask guidance from your health practitioner for the intensity of exercise. With the right lifestyle and diet, you can have a safe pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.