To manage gestational diabetes effectively, it is essential to include nutritional advice as part of your treatment plan. Making small changes to your diet can have a significant impact on the health of both you and your baby. Explore the recommended food intake guidelines for gestational diabetes.
Some key tips for managing gestational diabetes through nutrition include:
- Limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks
- Eating a balanced diet with a focus on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Monitoring your carbohydrate intake and spreading it out evenly throughout the day
- Avoiding skipping meals and snacks to help maintain stable blood sugar levels
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
By following these guidelines and working closely with your healthcare team, you can effectively manage gestational diabetes and promote a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.
The role of the dietician
Seek guidance from dieticians to create a balanced diet that helps stabilize your blood sugar levels through appropriate dietary modifications. Understanding the role of carbohydrates in your diet is crucial for managing gestational diabetes effectively. Prioritize a nutrient-rich diet for optimal health outcomes for you and your baby.
What’s in your food?
When it comes to food choices, they can be categorized into three main groups: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Carbohydrates and fats serve as energy sources, while proteins act as the building blocks for essential bodily functions. Pay special attention to your carbohydrate intake to control gestational diabetes.
Carbohydrates encompass:
- starch (bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, legumes)
- fructose (fruit, fruit juice)
- lactose (milk, yoghurt, custard)
- glucose (biscuits, candy, sugar)
Actions to take:
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- Distribute your meals evenly throughout the day
- Reduce the consumption of sugary products
- Avoid adding sugar to beverages
- Avoid sugary drinks
- Limited intake of unsweetened fruit juice
- Incorporate fruits into your daily diet
- Opt for savory toppings on bread
- Include one starch product per meal
- Avoid indulging in sweet snacks
- Consume carbohydrates thoughtfully
- Consider taking a pregnancy multivitamin
How much should you eat per day?
Make sure to refer to the table outlining daily nutrient intake suggestions, especially if you are consuming a minimum of 175g of carbohydrates daily. Maintaining a well-balanced diet is crucial for both your health and the health of your baby.
Recommended daily averages
Utilize the carbohydrate list for snack and meal preparations. Check the carbohydrate content on food packaging or in the Food Table booklet for accurate information.
Regularly monitor the progress of your pregnancy and treatment to ensure optimal health outcomes.
Checking your blood sugar level
Utilize a blood sugar testing kit to monitor your glucose levels accurately. Familiarize yourself with the correct way to test your blood sugar at specific times, understand your target blood sugar levels, and share the results with your healthcare team.
A healthy diet
Diet adjustments can aid in regulating your blood sugar levels effectively. Consult a dietitian for personalized meal planning and dietary recommendations. Follow guidelines such as eating regularly, including starchy, low GI foods, consuming fruits and vegetables daily, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and opting for lean protein sources.
Stay informed about foods to avoid during pregnancy to manage gestational diabetes effectively.
Exercise
Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can assist in managing gestational diabetes. Explore safe workout options during pregnancy and aim to meet the recommended duration of physical activity. Consider enrolling in the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme for additional support.
Medicine
If making changes to your diet and exercise routines does not yield the desired results, medication may be necessary. Your healthcare provider may prescribe tablets or insulin injections to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. In most cases, medication intake ceases after childbirth.
Tablets
Metformin is a commonly prescribed tablet treatment for gestational diabetes, usually taken multiple times a day with meals. Common side effects may include nausea and diarrhea. Alternative medications may be offered based on individual needs.
Monitoring your pregnancy
Gestational diabetes can impact your baby’s health, necessitating additional monitoring appointments throughout your pregnancy. Ensure your baby’s well-being by attending extra prenatal check-ups for monitoring purposes.
- Ultrasound scan around weeks 18-20 to detect any abnormalities
- Follow-up scans at weeks 28, 32, and 36 to track the baby’s growth and fluid levels
Giving birth
The ideal timeframe for giving birth when managing gestational diabetes is typically between 38-40 weeks. Induction may be recommended after 40 weeks and 6 days if labor has not commenced. Early delivery may be advised for health concerns or uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Ensure to give birth at a hospital with the necessary staff and facilities for your baby’s care. Bring your blood sugar kit and medications to the hospital, and continue monitoring your glucose levels until labor begins. During delivery, your blood sugar will be monitored and managed as needed.
After birth
Following the birth, feed your baby promptly and at regular intervals. Your baby’s blood sugar levels will be monitored after delivery. If intensive monitoring is required, your baby may stay in a neonatal unit temporarily. Discontinue blood sugar medications post-delivery and continue monitoring your levels. You and your baby can typically be discharged within 24 hours if both are well. Schedule a diabetes test 6-13 weeks postpartum, and regular annual diabetes tests are usually recommended due to the increased risk associated with gestational diabetes.
It is important to continue monitoring your blood sugar levels after giving birth, as gestational diabetes can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce this risk. Be sure to follow up with your healthcare provider for regular check-ups and screenings to ensure you are managing your diabetes effectively.
Video: gestational diabetes
Watch a video featuring advice and personal experiences related to gestational diabetes. Consult this resource for additional insights.
Page last reviewed: 08 December 2022
Next review due: 08 December 2025
Proper nutrition during pregnancy, especially when managing gestational diabetes, plays a vital role in ensuring optimal health outcomes for you and your baby. This comprehensive guide offers valuable food suggestions and restrictions to aid in the effective management and prevention of gestational diabetes.
Food product categories
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Explore the 12 key food groups essential for managing gestational diabetes effectively:
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean protein sources
- Dairy products
- Healthy fats
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Herbs and spices
- Sugar substitutes
- Beverages
- Treats in moderation
Breakdown of food products according to IG
Check out the table below highlighting high and low glycemic index food categories for better meal planning.
| Food Category | Glycemic Index |
|---|---|
| High GI Foods | 70 and above |
| White bread | 75 |
| Potato | 85 |
| Watermelon | 72 |
| Low GI Foods | 55 and below |
| Quinoa | 53 |
| Chickpeas | 28 |
| Apples | 36 |
What cereal products?
Include complex carbohydrates in every meal selection and make informed choices for better sugar control.
What dairy products?
Be mindful of the impact of dairy products on blood sugar levels, especially during breakfast. Choose dairy products carefully to manage gestational diabetes effectively.
Meat, cold cuts, fish, eggs
Opt for lean meat and fish options to support the management of gestational diabetes, while avoiding saturated fats in your diet.
Eggs are an excellent choice for individuals with gestational diabetes, especially during breakfast. They can be prepared in various ways, such as scrambled, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or in omelets.
What vegetables?
When incorporating vegetables into your diet, steer clear of boiled and baked potatoes, carrots, and beets. Opt for raw, stewed, and cooked vegetables, as they contain dietary fiber that aids in the gradual absorption of glucose.
Some great vegetable options to include in your diet are leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli, as well as colorful vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and squash. These vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for overall health and well-being.
What kind of fruit?
Avoid bananas, grapes, cherries, fruit in syrup, and dried fruit. Include other fruits in your diet with different meals, and divide fruit consumption into multiple portions for better management of gestational diabetes.
It is recommended to choose fruits with lower glycemic index such as berries, apples, pears, and citrus fruits. These fruits can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and provide essential vitamins and minerals for both you and your baby.
Remember to consult with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist for personalized recommendations on incorporating fruits into your gestational diabetes diet plan.
Fats
Do not eliminate fats like oil, oils, or butter from your diet. Fats play a crucial role in slowing down sugar absorption and should be combined with carbohydrates and proteins for balanced meals.
What drinks?
Eliminate fruit juices, sugary drinks, and flavored waters from your dietary choices. Opt for unsweetened beverages like tea, and consider using sugar substitutes such as stevia or xylitol. Monitor your blood sugar levels after meals and drinks to make informed decisions regarding your diet.
Understanding which foods to include and avoid when managing gestational diabetes may be challenging at first. Utilize the provided guidelines and gradually adjust your diet accordingly. Best of luck!
Author: Milena Kuzaka – Personal Insulin Pump Trainer, Diabetes Educator, Dietician at the Diabetes Clinic, Institute of Mother and Child