Gestational diabetes is a medical condition in which high blood glucose levels are diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is the outcome of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Increased hormonal levels of placenta interfere with the body’s ability of managing glucose. This condition is termed as insulin resistance. As the pregnancy proceeds placenta grows larger and produces even more hormones and further increase insulin sensitivity. Generally the body of the mother is capable of handling this insulin resistance by producing more insulin. If the pancreas of the mother is unable to overcome the effect of increasing hormones during pregnancy then the level of glucose starts to rise. This results in the onset of gestational diabetes.
High levels of blood glucose if not treated properly during pregnancy may cause serious problems for you as well as the baby. Gestational diabetes does not cause diabetes in the unborn baby but if left untreated may cause the baby to produce excessive insulin and gain plenty of weight. This increases the risk of premature labour.
Generally the blood glucose levels return to normal soon after the delivery; however the mother who has ever suffered from gestational diabetes has an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in her life.
Carbohydrates And Diabetes
Carbohydrates break down into glucose during the process of digestion so they have the greatest impact on blood glucose levels. It is critical to control the amount of carbs by eating the equal portions of carbs, fats and proteins in each meal.
Goals Of Healthy Eating With Gestational Diabetes
Eat Smaller Meals: It is good to eat small meal more frequently evenly spread throughout the whole day.
Eat Minimum Carbohydrates In Breakfast: The amount of carbohydrates must be reduced to minimum in the breakfast as this is the peak time of elevated blood glucose levels.
Eat Consistent Quantity of Carbohydrates: It is important to have the consistent amount of snacks in each meal.
If Diabetes In Pregnancy Is Giving You Morning Sickness: It is good to eat 1 to 2 servings of crackers, pretzels or cereals before getting out of the bed. Eat smaller meals frequently throughout the day and stay away from fried and greasy foods. If you are experiencing morning sickness and taking insulin at the same time then you must know the immediate treatment tips of low blood glucose level
Choose Fibre Rich Foods: It is good to choose foods with plenty of fibre like cereals, whole grain bread, rice, pasta, fruits and vegetables.
Prefer Sugar Free or Fat Free Foods: It is important to stay away from sugar rich and fat rich foods.
Drink Plenty of Liquids: Drink at least 8 glasses of liquid daily.
Get Enough Vitamins And Mineral In The Day: Consult your health professional about taking a prenatal mineral and vitamin supplement for meeting the nutritional needs during pregnancy.
Eat or Drink Minimum 4 Servings of Dairy Products: These include nuts, green vegetables, beverages and foods fortified with calcium.
Eat At Least 3 Servings of Iron Rich Foods: It is good to take 30 mg iron daily. Iron sources include poultry, fish, eggs and leafy green vegetables.
Eat At Least One Portion Of Vitamin C Daily: Vitamin C source mainly include grapefruits, oranges, honeydew, strawberries, cauliflower, broccoli, green pepper, tomatoes, brussel sprouts and mustard green.