Gestational Diabetes (Pregnant)

Eat healthy diet with steady carbs, provide increased nutrients and reduce risk of complications

Recommended For

Gestational diabetes, Diabetes during pregnancy.

Diet Goals

Stable blood sugar; meet nutritional needs

  • Distribute carbs evenly throughout the day
  • Fiber rich foods slow sugar absorption and stabilize blood sugar
  • Manage sugars to avoid preeclampsia, eclampsia or high BP
The goal is to maintain a steady blood sugar with diet changes and exercise. High blood sugars cause troubles for mom and baby.

Food Recommendations

Foods to Eat

Beans, Legumes: Lentils, soy, black beans, peas, chickpeas
Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, fish, tuna, shrimp, pork chops
Fish 2 x week: Salmon, bass, cod, crab, scallops, shrimp
Low sugar: Berries, greek yogurt, DIY fruit smoothie
Low fat dairy: Skim, 1% milk, yogurt, cheeses, buttermilk
Fruits, Vegetables: Berries, avocado, leafy greens, carrots

Foods to Avoid

Alcohol: Beer, wine, liquor, canned alcohol drinks
High sodium: Deli meat, soup, cheese, pizza, salty nuts & snacks
Sugary drinks: Soda, coffee drinks, energy drinks, fruit juice, smoothies
Saturated fats: Beef, lamb, pork, full fat dairy, butter, pastry, pie, biscuits
High sugar: Fruit yogurt, granola, energy bars; raisins, ketchup, pasta sauce
Processed foods: Fast or fried foods, packaged foods, frozen dinners, cakes

Diet Rules

Additional Information

Research

Women with GDM have increased risk of developing T2 diabetes later in life; physical activity may help prevent both GDM and T2 diabetes.
Placenta releases hormones for baby growth that interfere with making or using insulin (insulin resistance).
Nutritional management is main treatment for gestational diabetes; overweight/obese are at increased risk.

Caveats

Gestational diabetes typically develops between weeks 24 and 28; and resolves after baby is born.
Monitor blood sugar post pregnancy; at 6 and 12 weeks.
Stable blood sugar prevents cravings; increase fiber, complex carbs; evenly distribute carbs throughout day.
Combining aerobic and resistance training increases insulin sensitivity; check with MD first.

References

Artificial Sweeteners and Pregnancy. (2021). American Pregnacy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/artificial-sweeteners-and-pregnancy/
Aronne MD, L. (2015). Food Order Has Significant Impact on Glucose and Insulin Levels. Weill Cornell Medicine. https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2015/06/food-order-has-significant-impact-on-glucose-and-insulin-levels-louis-aronne
AssociatedPress. (2018). 5 Percent of Calories Should Be From Sugar, WHO Says. NBC News/The Associated Press. http://www.nbcnews.com/health/diet-fitness/5-percent-calories-should-be-sugar-who-says-n45166
Caffrey, M. (2017). Gestational Diabetes Raises Heart Attack, Stroke Risk, NIH Study Finds. The American Journal of Managed Care. https://www.ajmc.com/view/gestational-diabetes-raises-heart-attack-stroke-risk-nih-study-finds
Campbell, A. (2017). DASH Eating Plan: An Eating Pattern for Diabetes Management. NIH, National Library of Medicine, Diabetes Spectrum. https://diabetesjournals.org/spectrum/article/30/2/76/32278/DASH-Eating-Plan-An-Eating-Pattern-for-Diabetes
PCOS(Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes. (2020). Centers for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html
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