Gestational Diabetes Diet Guidelines
Gestational diabetes refers to rise in blood glucose level during pregnancy. It is caused due to the insufficiency or inability of insulin, a hormone to regulate the glucose. Its activity is suppressed by
the other hormones produced during pregnancy. The glucose level often gets back to the normal level after completion of the gestation period. But, gestational diabetes increases the chance of diabetes at a later age.
Pregnant women can efficiently manage their glucose level in gestation, through a specific diet plan. The diet plan is based on weight, height, physical activity, requirement of the growing baby, and the level of glucose intolerance. It must also be based on personal preference, and of course nutritional value. You can get help from any registered dietitian.
For setting a best diet plan, you first need to determine the total calories you need per day. Divide the calories into different portions. In general you have to add the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, essential vitamins and fat to balance your meal. It is really important that you distribute the calories in a variety of foods, and do not restrict to any one type. Dietitians and doctors usually recommend dividing the meal into three or more moderate size meals per day. In addition, you may add two to three snacks to the daily meal. An early dinner and after dinner snacks may help you maintain the overall balance.
In gestational diabetes, you need to keep carbohydrates level as low as possible. Food containing fiber and significant protein content, in addition to small amounts of carbohydrate help to achieve satiety, without building up the blood glucose level. Such a diet may also efficiently fulfill your energy requirements.
Never go with the wrong concept of controlling the sugar level by missing meals. An even distribution of meals during the day, can better manage glucose as compared to a single heavy meal. Moreover, the meal skipping may also be dangerous for the fetus.
You can get carbohydrates from natural sources like fruits and vegetables. Among them, preferable are the ones having high fiber and low glucose content. You can eat guavas, apricots, peaches and apples. Other sources like cereals, peas, beans and legumes have few carbohydrates which can be easily managed, by the challenged glucose control system of the body. Moreover, you may also replace the high sugar meal, with low sugar diet.
While preferring natural carbohydrates, you need to say good bye to all artificial sources like sodas, fruit juices, flavored teas, flavored waters, and desserts. They all contain simple sugars which immediately elevate the blood sugar level. If at all needed, you may occasionally use artificial aspartame sweeteners in drinks.
Milk is an essential source of calcium but it is high in lactose. Being a simple sugar, it may raise the blood sugar level. Women with gestational diabetes may replace it with other sources of calcium. Thus, the above mentioned gestational diabetes special diet guidelines may help you control the situation. |
