Gestational Diabetes Diet Overview, Foods & More

By lio

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Gestational Diabetes.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 May 2019, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html
• 2. NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/treatment/.
• 3. 'Gestational Diabetes Treatment Plan: Yale Health.' Gestational Diabetes Treatment Plan | Yale Health, yalehealth.yale.edu/gestational-diabetes-treatment-plan.
• 4. UCSF Health. 'Dietary Recommendations for Gestational Diabetes.' Ucsfhealth.org, UCSF Health, 6 Oct. 2020, www.ucsfhealth.org/education/dietary-recommendations-for-gestational-diabetes.
• 5. NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/what-is-the-glycaemic-index-gi/.
• 6. Evieosullivan. 'What Can I Eat with Gestational Diabetes?' Diabetes UK, Diabetes UK, www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/i-have-gestational-diabetes.
• 7. NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/.
• 8. Pistollato, Francesca, et al. 'Plant-Based and Plant-Rich Diet Patterns during Gestation: Beneficial Effects and Possible Shortcomings.' Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), American Society for Nutrition, 15 Sept. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4561836/.

Medical Expert

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As pregnancy progresses to the third trimester, insulin sensitivity decreases naturally. In some cases, this condition leads to gestational diabetes. Sometimes, gestational diabetes doesn’t have noticeable symptoms, but there are risks to parent and baby, including higher risk of overly large babies, C-section, early birth, preeclampsia and developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Luckily, gestational diabetes can be managed. A doctor and dietitian can craft a personalized diet plan to help control blood sugar. Following are some general guidelines to help those with gestational diabetes and their loved ones know what to expect.¹‘Gestational Diabetes.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 May 2019, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html

1. Eat Regularly

It’s important not to skip meals while managing gestational diabetes.²NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/treatment/. Smaller, more frequent portions are often recommended over large meals that can cause blood sugar to spike. Carbohydrates in particular should be monitored. A dietitian may recommend eating as frequently as every two to three hours, with at least three meals and three snacks throughout the day.

This may be an opportunity to embrace the midnight snack. Some dietitians recommend a small healthy snack like an apple with peanut butter just before bed to help manage nighttime blood sugar.³‘Gestational Diabetes Treatment Plan: Yale Health.’ Gestational Diabetes Treatment Plan | Yale Health, yalehealth.yale.edu/gestational-diabetes-treatment-plan.