Following An Effective Gestational Diabetes Diet

Gestational diabetes poses serious health risks for both the mother and her unborn baby. Pregnant women should have regular check ups throughout the pregnancy to make sure that they do not develop gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women who are 25 years, are overweight and have a history of diabetes in their family. However, gestational diabetes can develop even in pregnant women who have not had diabetes or have a family history of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a treatable condition, especially when a gestational diabetes diet plan is followed. An effective gestational diabetes diet plan is one that is not loaded with carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates break down in the body and transform into glucose, which serve as the body's "fuel." However, the glucose needs to be broken down and transported to the various cells in the body before the body can use it up as fuel. For this, the body relies on insulin to convert and transport the glucose to the cells. When there is not enough insulin produced, the glucose remains in the bloodstream as glucose; it is thus not converted into energy. An effective gestational diabetes diet plan controls how much carbohydrates is consumed. If the body is unable to handle huge amounts of glucose, it results to diabetes.


A gestational diabetes diet does not eliminate carbohydrates at all. Carbohydrates are still necessary. However, pregnant women should make sure that their meals consist of equal portions of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Nutritionists recommend filling the plate with a third of each: one third carbohydrates, one third proteins and one third fruits or vegetables.

An effective gestational diabetes diet also encourages eating at regular times and not skipping meals. Pregnant women who already have gestational diabetes or are already diabetic prior to becoming pregnant must eat within two hours after taking an insulin shot, or they may end up going into diabetic shock.

An effective gestational diabetes diet also advocates spreading carbohydrate intake throughout the day instead of eating all the carbohydrates in just one meal. Pregnant women need to add in 300 extra calories per day in their meals in order to keep themselves and their baby in good health. Thus, pregnant women should consume about 2,200 calories per day.

Exercise is very important, and pregnant women should stay active in order to keep their body and their baby strong and healthy. Many women are able to control their blood sugar levels throughout their pregnancy by simply folowing a gestational diabetes diet, but other pregnant women are prescribed medications and even insulin shots by their doctors in addition to the gestational diabetes diet.

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For more information on gestational diabetes and other diabetes related topics, visit A1 Diabetes Info at www.a1diabetesinfo.com

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by: healthar Total views: 22 Word Count: 449 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2008 Time: 2:00 PM 0 comments