Gestational Diabetes is common, but there are ways of navigating it to keep blood glucose levels within a normal range. The following guidelines are to be used along with a customized meal plan in order to sustain normal fetal growth and development.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the third classification of diabetes and is diagnosed after drinking a syrup (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) around 24-28 weeks gestation. This glucose load from the drink tests a woman’s clearance of ingested carbohydrates and it simulates a meal.
Complications of GDM include:
a large baby (excess of 10 lbs.)
childhood obesity
diabetes for the infant
future diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes for the mother
Guidelines for Navigating Gestational Diabetes
The following guidelines are to be used along with a customized meal plan in order to keep blood glucose levels within a normal range (70-140mg/dl). The meal plan is very important to follow for normal fetal growth and development.
Eat 5-6 smaller meals per day. Include a fiber-rich food at each meal or snack (whole grains, fresh or frozen vegetables or fruit, beans, nuts, and cereals).
Learn how to count grams of carbohydrates at all meals and snacks.
Drink NO juice (even 100% juice), juice drinks, sports beverages, or any sugar/fruit-sweetened beverages. Only sugar-free beverages are permitted.
Limit fresh or frozen fruit to 2 servings per day.
Eat ALL meals and snacks with a protein or fat food group (e.g. olives, cheese, yogurt, milk, or meat).
Avoid ALL concentrated sources of sugar (cakes, cookies, pies, candy, and ice cream).
Limit caffeinated beverages to 1-2 8-ounce cups per day. Avoid flavored coffee, unless sugar-free.
NO alcoholic beverages
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