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Gestational Diabetes Overview

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) that starts during pregnancy. It affects about 7% of all pregnancies and can result in complications if not managed properly. Following a balanced diet is crucial for managing this condition.

Importance of Diet

A balanced diet is essential for managing gestational diabetes. This involves eating a variety of healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. It's important to keep the amount and types of food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) consistent from day to day to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Carbohydrates

Less than half the calories you eat should come from carbohydrates. High-fiber, whole-grain carbohydrates are the best choices as they are digested more slowly, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

• Avoid simple carbohydrates such as potatoes, french fries, white rice, candy, and soda.
• Enjoy plenty of vegetables as they are good for your health and blood sugar.

Grains, Beans, and Starchy Vegetables

Eat 6 or more servings a day. One serving equals:

• 1 slice bread
• 1 ounce (28 grams) ready-to-eat cereal
• 1/2 cup (105 grams) cooked rice or pasta
• 1 English muffin

Choose foods loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates, such as:

• Whole-grain breads and crackers
• Whole grain cereals
• Beans
• Brown or wild rice
• Whole-wheat pasta

Vegetables

Eat 3 to 5 servings a day. One serving equals:

• 1 cup (340 grams) leafy, green vegetables
• 1 cup (340 grams) cooked or chopped raw leafy vegetables
• 3/4 cup (255 grams) vegetable juice
• 1/2 cup (170 grams) of chopped vegetables, cooked or raw

Healthy vegetable choices include:

• Fresh or frozen vegetables without added sauces, fats, or salt
• Dark green and deep yellow vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, carrots, and peppers

Fruits

Eat 2 to 4 servings a day. One serving equals:

• 1 medium whole fruit (such as a banana, apple, or orange)
• 1/2 cup (170 grams) chopped, frozen, cooked, or canned fruit
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) fruit juice

Healthy fruit choices include:

• Whole fruits rather than juices for more fiber
• Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines
• Fruit juices without added sugar
• Fresh fruits and juices, which are more nutritious than frozen or canned varieties

Milk and Dairy

Eat 4 servings of low-fat or nonfat dairy products a day. One serving equals:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk or yogurt
• 1 1/2 oz (42 grams) natural cheese
• 2 oz (56 grams) processed cheese

Healthy dairy choices include:

• Low-fat or nonfat milk or yogurt. Avoid yogurt with added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Protein

Eat 2 to 3 servings a day. One serving equals:

• 2 to 3 oz (55 to 84 grams) cooked meat, poultry, or fish
• 1/2 cup (170 grams) cooked beans
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) peanut butter

Healthy protein choices include:

• Fish and poultry. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey.
• Lean cuts of beef, veal, pork, or wild game. Trim all visible fat from meat.

Sweets

Sweets are high in fat and sugar, so limit how often you eat them. Keep portion sizes small.

• Even sugar-free sweets may not be the best choice as they may still contain carbohydrates or calories.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners as they can negatively affect your gut bacteria.

Fats

In general, limit your intake of fatty foods.

• Avoid fats high in saturated fat such as hamburger, cheese, bacon, and butter.
• Choose healthy oils, such as canola oil, olive oil, peanut oil, and safflower oil.

Other Lifestyle Changes

Your healthcare provider may also suggest a safe exercise plan. Walking, swimming, or other low-impact exercises can help you keep your blood sugar in control.

References

• MedlinePlus: Gestational Diabetes
• Clinical Diabetes: ADA and WHO Criteria