Sample diet for gestational diabetes

What is gestational diabetes?

Before we look at a sample diet for gestational diabetes we need to understand what it is. Women with normal blood sugar levels before pregnancy who suddenly develop higher blood sugar levels than other pregnant women are said to have gestational diabetes. It is estimated that about 4% of pregnant women are affected by this condition.

The exact cause of gestational diabetes is not known, but it is thought to be caused by hormones from the placenta. These hormones help the baby develop, but can in some cases block the action of insulin in the mother. This is called insulin resistance and makes it harder for the body to remove excess glucose from the bloodstream, causing blood glucose levels to rise.

Gestational diabetes normally occurs late in the pregnancy while the baby's body is developing; commonly between weeks 24 and 28. It is important to monitor and control the level of blood sugar in the body, as high levels cause the pancreas to overwork producing insulin to lower blood sugar levels, which, if left unchecked, could cause problems for both mother and baby. However, because the mother has become temporarily insulin resistant, this increase in insulin has no effect on blood sugar levels.

Treating gestational diabetes

Treatment for gestational diabetes normally consists of a "special" diet. For "special", read "healthy!" and a suitable low-impact exercise programme. It makes sense to cut out foods that contain lots of sugar, such as cakes, cookies, sweets and ice cream. Instead eat more fruit, which contains natural sugars and lots of goodness. You may be lucky; often people with a sweet tooth lose it during pregnancy, preferring savoury food. In my case, scrambled egg. With marmalade!!! (I kid you not). Unfortunately, if you're the opposite and develop a craving for deep-fried Mars Bars where you used to fancy carrots; Hard Luck!

Combining a sensible diet with exercise can make a profound difference to your diabetes and you’ll feel better, have more energy and most certainly have an easier birth. So, what are you waiting for? Get to it, Soldier!

It is obviously better if, before you become pregnant, you get down to a healthy weight. So if you are planning a family and are overweight now, do something about it before pregnancy starts!

Once your baby is born, the diabetes usually goes away by itself, but be aware; it will likely rear it's ugly head again during subsequent pregnancies.

Important: Always check with your health professional before starting any new eating plan or exercise regime, ESPECIALLY if you are pregnant. Now is not the time to take up that new pole-dancing class!

May your baby bring you as much joy as ours has to us.

All the best,

Carol