Feeding for pregnant women with gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when higher than normal blood sugar levels are detected during pregnancy. Sometimes gestational diabetes requires an external supply of insulin, but in most cases, a readjustment of eating habits is usually enough to stabilize glucose levels. In Guiainfantil.com we

Dietary recommendations for pregnant women with diabetes

Carbohydrates: It is advisable that the energy intake that comes from carbohydrates does not exceed 50%, and that these are integral or slow absorption. Slow-absorbed or complex carbohydrates are found in wholemeal bread, corn, potatoes, and whole grains such as rice and pasta and legumes. The simplest carbohydrates, with the fastest absorption, are found in fruit and juices, natural and commercial, milk, and sugary drinks. The speed of absorption of carbohydrates affects the blood glucose levels, which will be increased at once by consuming simple carbohydrates, but which will remain stable more consistently if complex carbohydrates are ingested, which are released slowly.

Nutrients: you should choose foods that also provide micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, in appreciable quantity, or what is the same, that have a high density of nutrients.

Fiber: fiber, which is present, among others, in whole grains, also helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it one more reason to resort to whole grains and unrefined flours.

Vegetables: a minimum of 3 servings of raw or cooked vegetables daily, preferably steamed to keep their properties to the maximum, and a minimum of 2 servings of fresh whole fruit, avoiding natural and commercial juices, as the whole fruit provides more fiber.

Dairy: it is advisable to choose milk and low-fat dairy products without added sugars.

Proteins: the protein can be of animal or vegetable origin. Meat and legumes, as well as a source of protein, have the added advantage of being a source of minerals such as iron, of great importance given the increase in blood volume during pregnancy.

Fats: it is advisable to avoid saturated and hydrogenated fats and to use olive oil as pure as possible as much as possible. The fat should not be completely abolished, since it provides energy for growth and contributes important substances for the development, above all, of the brain of the fetus and, in addition, it is a vehicle for fat-soluble vitamins. It is advisable, however, to remove visible fat from meat and skin of chicken and turkey, and to use culinary processes that do not provide extra fat, such as roasting or grilling instead of frying.

In summary, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, fats and proteins in moderation, carbohydrates from whole grains and limiting the consumption of sweetened and sweet drinks in general, which are the usual recommendations for a balanced diet. In addition, it is convenient to maintain a pattern of 3 main meals and two secondary meals to maintain a relatively constant supply of macronutrients and avoid periods of fasting, which, overall, contributes to stabilize the levels of blood sugar.