Control of gestational diabetes (GD) through diet, in addition to drug therapy when necessary, is of key importance for blood sugar levels, which is very important for the health of the mother and baby. In various countries there are different guidelines on the treatment of GD, although they mostly boil down to similar or almost the same general recommendations.
General recommendations do not apply to all pregnant women with gestational diabetes. It is necessary to make an individual assessment of nutritional needs to keep blood sugar levels under control. In addition to the need to control blood sugar levels, the nutritional needs of mother and child must be taken into account. Nutrition should not be depleted or reduced in order to control blood sugar levels.
The general recommendations are as follows:
- Balanced diet: Include a combination of carbohydrates, protein and fat in each meal. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of vegetables. Eat in colors of the rainbow to provide a variety of nutrients and thus get all the necessary nutrients.
- Meal frequency: Eat smaller, more frequent meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels stable. This usually includes three main meals and two to three snacks per day.
- Portion control: Keep portion sizes consistent and avoid large meals that can cause blood sugar spikes.
What to include in the diet?
Carbohydrates: Choose complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains (brown rice, whole-grain bread, whole-grain pasta), legumes and non-starchy vegetables.
Protein: Include lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish (avoid high-mercury fish), egg whites, and legumes at every meal to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Healthy fats: Choose fats from sources like nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and olive oil, and from butter in moderation.
Fiber: Foods rich in fiber such as vegetables, fruits (in moderation) and whole grains can help control blood sugar levels. In addition, fiber will help regular bowel movements.
What to avoid?
Sweet foods and drinks: Avoid sweets, desserts, sweetened drinks and processed snacks as they can cause blood sugar level spikes.
Refined carbohydrates: Avoid white bread, white rice and other refined grains.
Foods high in saturated fat and fried foods: Limit your intake of fatty dairy products, fried foods and processed meat products, and fatty red meat.
Certain types of fish: Avoid high-mercury fish such as swordfish and shark, and limit your intake of tuna.
An example of a daily menu for gestational diabetes
Breakfast: boiled egg, olives, cucumber, yogurt, slice of integral bread with seeds, apple with peel
Snack: nuts and raspberries
Lunch: portion of blueberries, grilled turkey, green leafy salad with olive oil and lemon dressing, portion of boiled potatoes
Snack: fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomato, celery, pepper) with hummus
Dinner: Grilled salmon, boiled vegetables and a portion of millet.
Evening snack: a glass of yogurt or kefir.
Please note that these are general recommendations, they do not apply to all pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Each person with this problem must be approached individually, taking into account any other health problems and all individual characteristics. Portion sizes are determined for each person individually, so in this example of the daily menu, the amounts of food are not highlighted.
Following these guidelines and working with a healthcare professional to tailor a diet plan to your needs can help effectively control gestational diabetes and ensure a healthy pregnancy. If the condition of the pregnant woman requires it, it is necessary to include medication therapy, whether it is pills or insulin. Regardless of whether drug therapy is included, attention must be paid to nutrition, so that the mother and baby get all the necessary nutrients, and so that sugar levels remain under control.
If you need help to get your gestational diabetes under control, contact our experts and schedule a nutritional consultation with the possible creation of a diet plan.
Prepared by: Dr. Safija Softić Namas
References:
Healthcanal – Informative Source For Your Health | Healthcare and Wellness Informative Source
Diabetes Strong: We Make Living with Diabetes Easier
