Diet Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The way to keep your blood sugar levels under control is to follow a specific meal plan. Good nutrition is very important during pregnancy if you've developed gestational diabetes mellitus. It is important to control the amount of carbohydrate by eating the same amount of carbohydrate along with some protein and fat at each meal.

Here are some general dietary guidelines:

Eat a variety of foods, distributing calories and carbohydrates evenly throughout the day. Make sure both your meals and your snacks are balanced.

Eat less carbohydrate at breakfast.

Do not skip meals or snacks. Your blood sugar will remain more stable if your food is distributed evenly throughout the day and consistently from day to day.
Include foods high in fiber such as whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fruits, and vegetables. These foods are broken down and absorbed more slowly than simple carbohydrates, which may help keep your blood sugar levels from going too high after meals.

Protein helps to make you feel fuller, sustain energy, and give you better blood sugar control.
Try to eat a consistent amount of carbohydrate during each meal and snack.

Restrict  intake of foods and beverages that contain simple sugars such as soda, fruit juice, flavored teas and flavored waters, and most desserts – or avoid them altogether. These foods will  quickly increase blood sugar.

Gradually increase your activity level is also a good way to help keep your blood glucose levels at normal levels. You may need consult with your diabetes educator or practitioner regarding  proper diet and exercise.

Milk is high in lactose, a simple sugar, so you should  limit the intake you drink and find an alternative source of calcium.

Drink at least 8 cups (or 64 ounces) of liquids per day.
Include of iron-rich foods per day to ensure you are getting 30 mg in your daily diet. Sources of iron include enriched grain products (rice); lean meat, poultry and fish; leafy green vegetables and eggs.

If you have morning sickness, eat 1-2 servings of crackers, cereal or pretzels before getting out of bed; eat small, frequent meals throughout the day and avoid fatty, fried and greasy foods.

Add Vitamin A in your daily diet. Sources rich in Vitamin A include carrots, apricots, water squash, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach, turnip greens, and beet greens.

Avoid  drinking alcoholic beverages.

Do not try to lose weight during pregnancy,  to maintain both you and your baby  healthy.

Limit caffeine to no more than 300 mg. daily