Gestational diabetes is not type 1 or type 2 diabetes but a type of diabetes that sometimes develops during pregnancy when a woman’s body cannot produce enough of the hormone insulin. Gestational diabetes affects a few percent of pregnancies. Insulin resistance means that the body needs more of the hormone to handle blood sugar. Symptoms of gestational diabetes can include fatigue, nausea, thirst, frequent urination, frequent bladder infections, poor vision and urine sugar detectable by tests. It is possible to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by following a healthy diet and maintaining a moderate weight. High sugar levels can be harmful to a woman and her growing fetus. It is a good idea to keep a food diary, and it is important to monitor and record sugar levels as recommended by your doctor. The Institute of Health recommends that women with gestational diabetes eat at least three medium-sized meals and up to four snacks a day:
- should refrain from consuming too many carbohydrates at one time
- Eat foods containing complex carbohydrates such as fiber
- Combine carbohydrates with protein or healthy fat
- do not skip meals
- Eat a breakfast rich in fiber and protein (fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, tofu, beans, nuts, quinoa)
- Eat foods with a low glycemic index (non-starchy vegetables except peas and carrots, fruits such as; apples, oranges, grapefruit, peaches and pears, beans, lentils, chickpeas)
- Healthy fats (olive oil, nut oil, avocados, most nuts and seeds, salmon, sardines, tuna, chia seeds)
Definitely avoid or limit:
- sweet products (cakes, cookies, candies, sweet baked goods, ice cream, sweetened beverages)
- Products rich in starch (white potatoes, wheat bread, white rice, white pasta)
- highly processed foods
- ketchups, dressings
- alcohol
Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help women control their blood sugar levels and manage gestational diabetes. However, sometimes this may not be enough and then medication or insulin will be needed. Fortunately, gestational diabetes is mostly a temporary condition. After delivery, most women’s glucose levels normalize. However, it is worth remembering that having diabetes during pregnancy is a risk factor for diabetes in later years of life, so it is advisable to check blood glucose levels about 10 weeks after giving birth, and then once a year at least for a while. Read about consuming fiber during pregnancy.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
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