Gestational Diabetes Diet Information

Gestational diabetes occurs on pregnant mothers if they have higher than normal blood sugar levels. This is brought about by the insufficiency of the pancreas to secrete insulin due to interference from placental hormones. This is the “contra-insulin” effect that happens during the 20th to 24th week of pregnancy and ends until childbirth. Type 2 diabetics and pregnant women with gestational diabetes shares the same symptoms. There would be an increase in thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, excessive hunger, weight loss and irritability. In extreme cases where the disease is untreated, there is an abnormal weight loss and blurred vision. This is the reason that pregnant mothers should turn to a strict regimen of gestational diabetes diet.

Diabetes alone is already dangerous in itself, what more of the complications that may arise from it? Among other food items to avoid, this also includes cookies, cakes, soft drinks, coffee, tortillas, crackers and bread. Constant consumption of the items mentioned will lead to a sudden increase in blood sugar level. 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. Natural carbohydrates refer to brown rice, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, beans, fruits and vegetables. It is better to talk to nutritionists and physicians when one is about to go on a gestational diabetes diet. They would assist the diabetic in calculating how many servings should consume basing it on the patient’s weight and other factors.

Avoid prepared foods that have more than three grams of total fats per serving. Better stick to either non-fat or low-fat dairy products.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.

One should not fall for the belief that living with a diabetes diet is enough to cope with the disease.Try spreading out the meals to 5 to 6 times a day so the blood glucose level will be maintained.

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