An important part of managing gestational diabetes relates to diet. Following a healthy eating plan will assist in:
- Managing blood glucose levels within the target range advised by your doctor
- Providing adequate nutrition for you and your growing baby
- Achieving appropriate weight changes during your pregnancy.
It is advisable to see an Accredited Practising Dietitian to work out a meal plan that is appropriate for mum and the growing baby.
In this Section
Quick Guide for Healthy Eating during Pregnancy
Carbohydrates
Fat
Protein
Calcium & Iron
Other Dietary Considerations
Drink
Alternative Sweeteners
Women with gestational diabetes are encouraged to:
- Eat small amounts often and maintain a healthy weight
- Include some carbohydrate in every meal and snack (e.g. Multigrain bread, bulgur, pasta, potato, lentils, chickpeas, beans)
- Choose foods that are varied and enjoyable that provide the nutrients you especially need during pregnancy. This means foods which include:
- Calcium (e.g. Milk and cheese)
- Iron (e.g. Red meat, chicken and fish)
- Folic acid (e.g. Dark green leafy vegetables lightly cooked)
- Low in fat, particularly saturated fat(e.g. use oils such as canola, olive and polyunsaturated oils and margarines and use lean meats such as skinless chicken and low fat dairy foods)
- High in fibre
- Avoid foods and drinks containing large amounts of sugar
- Choose Basmati or Doongara rices – they have a lower glycaemic index and will help you to stay fuller for longer.
- See a dietitian who can provide expert advice on the proper nutrients for you and your baby, as well as helping you make healthy food choices.
Back to top
Carbohydrate foods are broken down into glucose and used for energy. To help manage your blood glucose levels, it is important to spread your carbohydrate foods over three small meals and 2-3 snacks each day. Foods that contain carbohydrate include:
- Multigrain breads and breakfast cereals
- Pasta, rice (preferably Basmati or Doongara) and noodles
- Potato (in moderation), sweet potato and corn
- Legumes such as baked beans, red kidney beans and lentils
- Fruits
- Milks and yoghurts
Carbohydrate foods that contain little nutritional value include sucrose (table sugar), soft drinks, cordials, fruit juices, lollies, cakes and biscuits.
In some instances, you may be eating the right amount (and type) of carbohydrate foods for your body, but still have high blood glucose levels. If this happens, it is important to talk to your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator.
Back to top
Try to limit the amount of fat you eat, particularly saturated fat. Use healthy fats like canola, olive and polyunsaturated oils and margarines, avocados and unsalted nuts. To limit your saturated fat intake, select lean meats, skinless chicken and low-fat dairy foods and avoid takeaway and processed foods.
Back to top
Include two small serves (checking with medical writer) of protein each day as protein is important for the growth and maintenance of the body. Protein foods include lean meat, skinless chicken, fish, eggs and reduced fat cheese. These foods do not directly affect your blood glucose levels. Milk, yoghurts, custards and legumes (beans, lentils, and chickpeas) are also important sources of protein. However, remember that they also contain carbohydrate.
Back to top
Calcium and iron requirements increase during pregnancy. Try to include 2-3 serves of low fat calcium rich foods each day (1 serve = 250 ml milk, 200 g of yoghurt or 2 slices of cheese). The iron from red meat, chicken and fish is readily absorbed. However, if you are a vegetarian or do not eat these foods regularly, an iron supplement or pregnancy multivitamin may be required. Discuss this with your doctor or dietitian.
Back to top
Nutritious foods that will not cause excess weight gain or cause your blood glucose levels to go up can be eaten freely. These foods include fruits such as strawberries, passionfruit, lemons and limes and all vegetables (except potato, corn, sweet potato, taro, beans, lentils and chickpeas). Try to include at least 2 cups of vegetables each day.
Back to top
The best drink for your body is water, plain mineral water and soda water – try it with fresh lemon or lime for something different.
‘Diet’ or sugar-free drinks are suitable for people with diabetes. However carbonated and caffeinated varieties can increase the risk of osteoporosis and may affect mood (checking with medical writer) so should be consumed in moderation by everyone.
Back to top
The use of intense sweeteners by people with diabetes is preferable to use of natural sugars.
Back to top