Gestational diabetes how often should i eat

Aim to base your meals around protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Include lots of fresh foods and limit your intake of processed foods. Those french fry cravings can be hard to resist, so aim to keep healthy alternatives around the house for when cravings strike.

Although carbohydrate tolerance can vary significantly among pregnant people with gestational diabetes, recent research shows that a diet providing less than 40 percent of total calories from carbohydrates is generally ideal for promoting optimal blood sugar control. However, keep in mind that your carb needs and tolerance are specific to you. They depend on factors such as medication use, body weight, and blood sugar control. Work with your healthcare team, including your doctor and registered dietitian, to come up with a plan to promote optimal blood sugar control during pregnancy that suits your individual needs.

Snacks are great for keeping blood sugar levels stable and for satisfying that evening snack attack! Here are a few healthier choices for snacks and meals if you have gestational diabetes:. Also, try these recipes for diabetes-friendly snacks and meals. Yep, you can still eat fruit if you have gestational diabetes. Again, your carb needs and tolerance are unique to you! Berries are an excellent choice as they are relatively low in sugar and high in fiber, so get ready to stock up and toss them into a smoothie, on some yogurt, or over some whole grain oatmeal.

Try freezing them for extra crunch. Here are seven types of fruit to try during pregnancy. They can help you identify what to avoid and give you alternatives that will keep you satisfied. Here are some complications you may encounter that can be avoided by managing your health with your doctor. Extra glucose in your body can make your baby gain weight. A bigger baby puts you at risk for having a more difficult delivery because:. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy.

You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. How to Follow a Diabetes-Friendly Diet. Trending Topics. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, managing your weight gain and being physically active can help control your blood glucose and give you and your baby the nutrients you need for a healthy pregnancy.

Ask your health care provider to refer you to a diabetes clinic in your community. The dietitian and rest of the health care team will help you to plan a healthy diet that works for you and to have a healthy pregnancy. The information in this handout can help you to get started. We also consider other treatment options for gestational diabetes and the possible complications that may occur. Following a healthful diet is important during pregnancy, particularly if a woman develops gestational diabetes.

High blood sugar levels during pregnancy may be harmful to both the woman and the growing fetus. It is important to monitor how many carbohydrates are present in the diet — including the type of carbohydrate and the frequency of consumption — to help manage blood sugar levels. Keeping a food diary may make this easier. Most women will need to check these levels in the morning and between meals.

The results can indicate the amount and type of food that is safe for them to eat. It can help to space meals and snacks that contain carbohydrates evenly throughout the day. Doing this can reduce the size of blood sugar spikes after eating. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development recommend that women with gestational diabetes consume at least three small-to-medium meals and between two and four snacks per day. Eating foods that have a low glycemic index GI is another crucial factor in a gestational diabetes diet.

GI measures how rapidly a particular food increases blood sugar levels. The body breaks down foods with a low GI more slowly than those with a high GI. The index classifies foods with a score of 55 or below as low GI.

These foods are ideal for women with gestational diabetes who are trying to manage their blood sugar levels. Low GI foods to eat include:. All of these low GI foods release sugar into the blood slowly, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Eating protein alongside carbohydrates or choosing carbohydrate-rich foods that also provide protein helps balance blood sugar levels.

Women with gestational diabetes should try to eat nutritious, protein-rich foods, such as:. Avoiding foods that may excessively raise blood sugar levels is essential if a person is following a gestational diabetes diet.