Sample Diet for Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a unique type of diabetes in the sense that only pregnant women are afflicted with the condition. The condition actually brings about high blood sugar levels in pregnant women. The onset of the condition usually ranges between the 24^th and the 28^th week of pregnancy. As for its characteristics, gestational diabetes can be likened to type 2 diabetes.

The good thing about this type of diabetes is that it usually disappears right after the birth of the baby. However, there is still that possibility of type 2 diabetes recurring later on in life. Thus, there is a need to monitor the intake of carbohydrates for both gestational and type 2 diabetes.

When food is digested, carbohydrates are actually processed and converted into glucose or simple sugars. These simple sugars are then distributed, thereby reaching your cells. This is where insulin then enters the picture, in the conversion of these simple sugars into energy. When a woman is pregnant, there are actually a lot of other hormones that are present in the body. These hormones bring about the onset of gestational diabetes, thereby making the body resistant to insulin.

The typical gestational diabetes diet should include proteins, carbohydrates, and the healthy type of fats. Yes, carbohydrates and fats are still very much needed, to produce energy that is needed in the proper development of the fetus itself, and in the maintenance of the strength and the health of the mother. As for daily carbohydrate consumption, it is important to keep it normal. The recommended serving size should be between twelve to fifteen grams. This can be equal to a slice of bread or half a cup of cereal.

Of course, you should not limit yourself to just these variants to get the recommended daily carbohydrate intake. Here are some sample diets for gestational diabetes that you just might want to consider.

First, your servings for carbohydrates can include half a cup of pasta, peas, mashed potatoes, or corn. You can also go for 1/3 cup of rice or beans; or ½ hotdog bun or hamburger, a frozen bagel or an English muffin. You can also go for 6 saltines instead.

As for protein, your serving can be comprised of 3 ounces of meat, an egg, ½ cup cottage cheese, and two tablespoons of peanut butter. Fruits should be your mainstay as well. Go for half a cup of applesauce, or a piece of kiwi, or even 2 ½ inches of an apple. Of course, you should get your dietician’s recommendation for this so that you are sure to meet the specific needs of the gestational diabetes patient.