Following a healthy diet is critical all through out the pregnancy, but women who develop gestational diabetes. It is a form of diabetes that progresses while pregnant and can be greatly managed or prevented by selecting the right foods and having an exercise plan for blood sugar control. Keep in mind that gestational diabetes may need additional medications and attention during pregnancy and you should work with your doctor who specializes in Obstetrics, a Gynecologist, Diabetes Educator or Dietitian to create a plan that will work for your exact requirements. In addition to medical management, gestational diabetes, like type 2 diabetes, can be addressed by ensuring a meal plan that aids to balance blood sugars during the day while meeting the needs of your developing baby.
Here are some steps you can take to control your gestational diabetes and sustain optimal health during pregnancy through lifestyle and diet changes:
- Eat Healthy Carbohydrates
Healthy carbohydrates high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are vital during pregnancy, even with gestational diabetes. Though carbohydrates increase blood sugars, bases such as vegetables, fruits, and whole-grains are digested most gently than refined bases like white rice, white flour, sugary beverages or sugar. One key to keeping even blood sugar levels during the course of the day is to have regular meal and snack times. Food selections should contain a balance of high fiber carbohydrates, whole-grain, a protein source and healthy fat. Controlling refined carbohydrates and sugar like soda, juice, desserts will help evade increase in blood sugar.
- Eat Breakfast
With gestational diabetes, blood sugars are unstable in the morning hours mostly high. Mostly breakfasts are in carbohydrates, such as muffins, pancakes, cereal, and even rice, so be sure to balance your meal in the morning and includes protein and fat as well. Add tofu, eggs, dairy to your breakfast selections and make sure your carbohydrates are complete from whole grains. Water is the best for beverages, because juice causes blood sugars to spike.
- Increase Fiber Intake
High fiber foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grain breads and cereals are healthy carbohydrate sources. Entirely of these foods have a high fiber content and are absorbed and digested by your body more slowly than simple carbs like sugar. Selecting high fiber foods can help keep blood sugar levels from increasing after meals and also prevent constipation.
- Keep Active
Physical activity and exercise are linked to decreasing blood sugar levels. Using your doctor's approvals on what is safe for your pregnancy, walking or other low impact activities can have many profits during pregnancy including balancing blood sugars with gestational diabetes. Activities that are comfortable during pregnancy are swimming, walking, yoga, and some weight training.
- Be Compliant with Medical Recommendations
Taking medications, checking blood sugars, could be a burden on your pregnancy if you develop gestational diabetes, but working with your doctor and following the recommendations made is critical to the health of your baby. Certified Diabetes Educators can help educate you with your diet.
By following these steps for diet and lifestyle support with gestational diabetes, you can control blood sugars during the course of your pregnancy. If you have been detected with gestational diabetes, talk to your Dieititian or health care provider about diet and exercise factors to create a program that is right for your needs.
PNFP- Karla P. Calapardo, RND
References:
- Controlling Gestational Diabetes For A Healthy Pregnancy
