During pregnancy, if the blood sugars are higher than the normal levels, chances are, the would-be mother has gestational diabetes. This is brought about by the insufficiency of the pancreas to secrete insulin due to interference from placental hormones. This is called a œcontra-insulin effect and this occurs between 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy and continues until childbirth. The symptoms of gestational diabetes are similar to that of type 2 Diabetes. There would be an increase in thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, excessive hunger, weight loss and irritability. In dire cases where the disease goes untreated, it would result to abnormal weight loss and blurred vision. Hence the importance of pregnant mothers to adhere to a gestational diabetes diet.
The nemesis of every diabetic is carbohydrate, that is why that is the first thing that should be crossed off the gestational diabetes diet. When one talks about refined carbohydrates, one is referring to sugar, white flour, regular pasta and white rice. Among other food items to avoid, this also includes cookies, cakes, soft drinks, coffee, tortillas, crackers and bread. The blood sugar level will have a sudden increase if diabetics keep on consuming such food items. With elevated blood sugar levels, complications like pre-eclampsia and having a big baby is a big possibility.
A healthy gestational diabetes diet includes plenty of whole grains and other natural carbohydrates. Brown rice, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, beans, fruits and vegetables are examples of natural carbohydrates. One should take this in moderation and in consultation with a physician or a nutritionist. They would assist the diabetic in calculating how many servings should consume basing it on the patient’s weight and other factors.
After deciphering what is allowed and what should be avoided, it is time to tackle the daily gestational diabetes diet. Pregnant women should eat the following daily, six to ten servings of breads and grains, two to three servings of fruit, four or more servings of vegetables, three to four servings of dairy products and three servings of meat or other proteins such as fish, nuts and eggs.
If one has no alternative to refined sugar, then try taking it in small amounts. It is better to spread out the meals over the course of the day, eating around five to six times will surely keep the blood sugar levels even.