What is the diet for gestational diabetes?
Asked by anonymous on Oct 01, 2008
in Family & Pregnancy
I was just recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Diabetes does run in my family so I was not completely surprised, just more disappointed. They said it was slight but I have it and I very much want to do what is best for the baby and me. They have said I will have an appointment with the endocrinologist shortly and I may have more blood tests. I am wondering about the best food choices, snacks and calorie amounts and if you had any other suggestions for me.
Answer
For gestational diabetes, follow a balanced, low carbohydrate diet spread into small frequent meals to stabilize your blood sugar. You, personally, need about 2300 calories for pregnancy and about 240 grams of carbohydrate a day. Divide your carbohydrate more or less evenly into 6 meals, and reserve them for milk, fruit, vegetables, beans and high-fiber grains, rather than spending them on sugary foods. Some doctors have women avoid fruit juice in the morning when hormones cause the blood sugar to be especially high. Mild exercise works to lower blood sugar as well. Visit a registered dietitian for nutritional counseling to treat gestational diabetes. Most insurers cover their services for that diagnosis.
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