دیابت بارداری یکی از مشکلات رایج دوران بارداری است که به‌طور معمول در اواسط بارداری ظاهر می‌شود و می‌تواند تاثیرات قابل‌توجهی بر سلامت مادر و جنین داشته باشد. Accurate control of blood sugar levels during pregnancy is necessary to prevent serious complications. A suitable and balanced diet for gestational diabetes is one of the most important parts in the management of gestational diabetes, which you will read in this article. What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs in women during pregnancy. This condition usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and causes an increase in blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes usually goes away temporarily after the baby is born, but the mother's risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases in the future.

In gestational diabetes, insulin, which is an essential hormone to regulate blood sugar, is not produced in sufficient amounts or the body becomes resistant to it. This issue increases the blood sugar level and causes various problems in pregnancy.

The importance of diet in the management of gestational diabetes

Diet in gestational diabetes plays a very important role in controlling blood sugar levels. The foods you eat can have a big impact on your blood sugar levels. Since there is a need for more nutrients during pregnancy, it is especially important to pay attention to choosing healthy and balanced foods for the mother and fetus.

According to pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The diet recommended for women with GDM should contain sufficient macronutrients and micronutrients to support the growth of the fetus and, at the same time, limit postprandial glucose excursions and encourage appropriate maternal gestational weight gain.

The recommended diet for women with GDM should contain adequate macronutrients and micronutrients to support fetal growth while limiting postprandial glucose and encouraging appropriate maternal weight gain.

The main goal of the diet in gestational diabetes is to maintain the blood sugar level in the normal range. This is possible by adjusting meals and consuming foods that gradually increase blood sugar. Meanwhile, consuming foods with a low glycemic index, increasing fiber consumption, and consuming healthy proteins are among the key principles.

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Principles of diet for gestational diabetes

The principles of diet for gestational diabetes are as follows:

Division of meals

One of the important principles in the diet for gestational diabetes is to divide meals into several small meals. Eating large meals can lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar. Therefore, it is better to divide meals into five or six small meals to gradually increase blood sugar levels and avoid extreme fluctuations.

Select complex carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, but the type of carbohydrate consumed is very important. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, gradually raise blood sugar and prevent sudden spikes. The consumption of simple carbohydrates such as sugar, sweets and sugary drinks should be avoided.

Fiber consumption

Fiber is one of the essential components of the diet for gestational diabetes because it helps control blood sugar levels and improves digestion. Good sources of fiber include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Consumption of fiber gradually increases blood sugar and improves the feeling of satiety.

healthy proteins

Proteins are essential for the development of the fetus and maintaining the health of the mother's body. Healthy protein sources include chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, and legumes. Consuming protein in every meal helps to control blood sugar and relieves the feeling of hunger for a longer time.

Healthy fats

Fats are also an important part of a healthy diet during pregnancy, but healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados and fatty fish such as salmon should be used. In addition to supporting cardiovascular health, these fats also help maintain proper blood sugar levels.

Foods useful in the diet of gestational diabetes

In the diet of gestational diabetes, consuming some foods can help. These foods include the following:

Green leafy vegetables

Vegetables such as spinach, kale, lettuce and broccoli are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. In addition to helping to control blood sugar, these vegetables play an important role in providing nutrients needed by the mother's body.

beans

Legumes such as lentils, beans and peas are excellent sources of plant protein and fiber. These foods gradually increase blood sugar and help to prolong the feeling of satiety.

whole grains

Whole grains such as brown rice, oats and whole wheat have a low glycemic index and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Consuming these grains instead of refined grains can play an effective role in managing gestational diabetes.

Fruits

Fresh fruits such as apples, pears, strawberries and oranges are rich in vitamins and fiber and can be used as healthy snacks. However, you should avoid sweet and dried fruits that contain concentrated sugars.

fatty fish

Fish such as salmon, trout and sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, help maintain cardiovascular health and help the development of the fetus's brain during pregnancy.

foods to avoid

In the gestational diabetes diet, some foods should be limited or completely eliminated from the diet to better control blood sugar. These foods include the following:

Sweets and sweet foods

Consumption of sweets, cakes and sugary drinks causes a rapid increase in blood sugar levels and should be avoided.

1. Fried and fatty foods: Fried and fatty foods can cause unnecessary weight gain and cause other problems during pregnancy.
2. Refined grains: Refined grains such as white bread and white rice have a high glycemic index and cause a rapid increase in blood sugar.

Conclusion

A suitable and balanced diet in gestational diabetes plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the mother and fetus. By following the correct nutritional principles, dividing meals, consuming foods with a low glycemic index, increasing the consumption of fiber and healthy proteins, blood sugar levels can be well controlled. In addition, eating healthy foods and avoiding harmful foods can help prevent complications from gestational diabetes. However, it is always important to follow the diet under the supervision of a doctor or nutritionist to get the best results. Dr. Bita Sajjadipour The best gynecologist in Tehran is proud of your guide in this regard.

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