Gestational Diabetes and Food

Gestational Diabetes Diet : Gestational diabetes is usually a temporary condition that develops if your blood sugar (glucose) is too high during pregnancy. Generally, this type of diabetes goes away after the birth of the baby, however there is a strong possibility that you may get diabetes in future if you have had it during your pregnancy. When the body fails to produce the required amount of insulin, your blood sugar levels shoot up causing diabetes. Many pregnant women succeed in controlling with the help of diet alone by eating three meals and snacks for about a couple of times each day.

The carbohydrates consumed through the food get converted into glucose, which is a major source of energy for the body. Starchy foods such as pasta, breads, rice, potatoes, and grains are the main providers of carbohydrates. Fruits, vegetables, sweets, sugar, and dairy foods are also rich sources of carbohydrates. However, gestational diabetes diet for pregnant women should include carbohydrates, protein, and fat in right quantities. If insulin is being administered for the sake of controlling blood sugar, you need to take your doctor’s advice in order to choose the right gestational diabetes diet. Health experts insist on carbohydrate counting for pregnant women with gestational diabetes to control their blood sugar. Carbohydrate counting refers to monitoring the amount of carbohydrates consumed every day. Foods and beverages that contain added sugar should be avoided and other food items such as honey, jams, and jellies are also not recommended for gestational diabetes.