Gestational diabetic diet - get to know the recommendations and benefits

A gestational diabetic diet is very important if you are a mother-to-be. Actually, gestational diabetes affects approximately one in fourteen women during pregnancy.

It is a condition which develops during pregnancy when the blood sugar level, also known as glucose, is too high. During this process, the body does not create the desired amount of insulin, causing the blood sugar levels to rise above normal.

If your body does not produce the right amount of insulin, glucose cannot enter your body cells. As a result, the build up of insulin takes place, and the blood cells do not receive the amount of fuel needed to properly function.

The key to a healthy pregnancy for a woman with gestational diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels in balance by ensuring a regular gestational diabetic diet.

The most common problems during gestational diabetes are related to the complications happening during delivery and laboring. Most probably, will have a baby with a high birth weight. Birth defects associated with gestational diabetes include deformities in limbs, damages to the heart, defects of neural tube.

Gestational Diabetic Diet Recommended TipsDietary recommendations for gestational diabetes should meet both the needs during pregnancy and the necessities of blood glucose for the mother. It is important to keep blood glucose at the normal levels. For this purpose, you should restrict carbs intake to 35 till 40 percent of energy or caloric intake.

Moderate exercise together with diet may help controlling gestational diabetes . However, if you fail to optimize your blood sugar levels, your doctor will be constrained to prescribe insulin intake. Be sure to follow your doctor's advices.

The basic guidelines for a gestational diabetic diet include a variety of foods with an even distribution of calories and carbohydrates on a daily basis.

The American Diabetes Association recommends three small to moderate sized meals and two to four snacks a day. Complex carbohydrates and high fiber foods should be the emphasis of the plan, and the guidelines below should be followed:

• Eating the same amount of carbohydrates at the same time each day will help to keep the blood sugar level normal.

• Eating meals and snacks on an even schedule (about every two to three hours) is also recommended.

• Avoid some foods and beverages which contain sugar (added), jams, maple syrup, jelly, or honey corn syrup. You need to take only two to three glasses per day of milk to ensure low levels of lactose.

• High fiber foods will control bowel movements and blood sugar levels.

• Do not skip meals. Consistency is the key and will help blood sugar levels remain normal if food is distributed evenly throughout each day.

• If you have a good breakfast, this may help optimize your blood sugar levels. You are encouraged to have more protein portions per day and try limit carbohydrates, especially the "bad" ones.

The benefits of a Gestational Diabetic Diet

The benefits of a gestational diabetic diet helps to control and reduce related health risks for both the baby and his mother. Of course if you do follow the right and balanced meal plan, for sure you may succeed.

The plan is designed specifically for the mother based on her weight, height, how much physically active she is, and the problems with glucose intolerance.

Put an eye to the calories you are taking each day, to the size of portions you are having, if you eating balanced foods, and are taking also vitamins and minerals as supplementation.

Overall, planned gestational diabetic diet inclusive of scheduled meals and physical activity will lower health risks for the mother and baby during pregnancy.

Keep in mind that your situation will be resolved after giving birth. Only few women do develop type 2 diabetes after giving birth.

As the heal care team emphasizes the war against being overweight, and encourage weight management programs that include proper diet and physical activity, why don't you take the opportunity and keep yourself safe?




Custom Search

Didn't find what you needed?
Get answers from real people at All-about-beating-diabetes.com Answers




Leave Gestational Diabetic Diet and return to All-about-beating-diabetes Home.




footer for gestational diabetic diet page