Diet For Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Higher level of blood sugar in the body during pregnancy indicates gestational diabetes. It is a temporary disorder and the sugar level comes down to normal after child birth.

Gestational diabetes, if not treated can cause birth defects in the baby. The baby may suffer from jaundice, she/he may grow larger than normal or the new born can suffer from diabetic shock. Pregnant women also may suffer from urinary tract infection and can fall victim to Type 2 diabetes in future, if gestational diabetes is not checked in time.

Generally patients suffering from gestational diabetes do not need insulin to control the blood sugar level; it can be maintained within normal range by eating a proper diet. You can consult your dietician and get a proper diet plan for gestational diabetes.

Diet For Gestational Diabetes

Eat More Fibre

Increase the amount of fibre in your diet. Eat more of fresh fruits like orange, pineapple, apple, water melon, guava etc. Eat spinach, cabbage, fenugreek, broccoli, carrots etc. to control gestational diabetes. You should eat healthy low calorie food to prevent excess weight gain during pregnancy.

Eat Whole Grains

Enrich your diet with whole grains like oats, multi grain bread, wheat porridge, whole lentils etc. as they contain a lot of fibre and roughage. It prevents constipation and helps to manage gestational diabetes effectively.

Eat Less Carbohydrates

Keep a watch on your carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates in your food are transformed into glucose that is essential to maintain the energy level in the body. You should not cut down on carbohydrates completely since the baby needs carbohydrates to grow. Take small amounts of healthy carbohydrates combined with proteins and a little fat to treat gestational diabetes.

Avoid Saturated Fats

Fat consumption is necessary during pregnancy, but you should avoid unhealthy saturated fats and Trans fats. Avoid high fat and deep fried foods to maintain healthy weight and to manage gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Eat Smaller Meals

Divide your meals in 4-6 smaller meals instead of eating 3 large meals during the day. Eating at short intervals will keep gestational diabetes in check and you will be able to maintain your energy level. Take 3 main courses along with 3 -4 in between snacks.

Opt for protein rich snacks, roasted almonds, rice flakes, puffed rice and fruits. Eating a bed time snack low in protein and rich with healthy carbohydrates will help you to enjoy a sound sleep.

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Maintain a Schedule

You should eat at fixed hours and maintain a schedule for your meal times. It gives your body adequate time to digest and absorb food in the system. Try not to skip meals to manage gestational diabetes.

Stay Active

Along with a suitable diet plan, it is very important to stay active during pregnancy to keep gestational diabetes in check. Walking is the safest and the best exercise that you can indulge in.

Take at least half an hour walk morning and evening to burn sugar and to maintain gestational diabetes. Consult your doctor for any other form of exercises that are safe during pregnancy and follow a regular regime.