Indian Diet For Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy – What To Eat ?

• Posted by Prachi Shah

Pregnancy is the most beautiful time for a woman. But as the baby starts to develop there is a lot of concern for both mother and the baby’s health to avoid any complications and when it comes to gestational diabetes there will be lot of advices from everyone which can make the mother to be nervous. So, now let’s understand more about gestational diabetes.

Diet For Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a condition which develops during pregnancy. In this condition, the body develops high sugar levels irrespective if mother was diabetic before pregnancy or not. In many cases, gestational diabetes goes away after the delivery of the baby but sometimes there are chances of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus later in life.

This condition can occur during the end of second trimester. It is important for the doctor to test if there are any chances of developing gestational diabetes so that precautionary actions can be taken to minimize the risk and complications.

In such cases, a qualified nutritionist’s help is of utmost importance for dietary guidance.

Indian Foods To Include For Gestational Diabetes

Everyone in the house will tell you what to eat and what to avoid. So, do not rely on such information and visit a qualified nutritionist for better approach who can help you with your diabetes condition and will help in controlling your blood sugar levels.

Balanced eating or a diet including carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals in proper proportions are best for a gestational diabetic woman. Blood sugar levels rise if you eat too much of processed or high carbohydrate food. So, a qualified nutritionist’s job is to make you understand what foods are beneficial for you and what needs to be avoided according to your blood sugar profile.

Foods To Include:

1. Carbohydrates

• Whole Grains: Include whole grains in your diet like oats, barley, millet, quinoa, brown rice. These are low glycemic index foods and will help in maintaining your blood sugar profile.
• Leafy Vegetables and Legumes: Include vegetables like spinach, lettuce, peas, beans, lentils, etc. in your diet.
• Fruits: Include fruits that are low in glycemic index like guava, apple, orange, or any other seasonal fruit that is available.

2. Proteins

Include foods rich in protein sources like eggs, dals/pulses, paneer, yogurt, soya chunks, fish, poultry that will in maintain the blood sugar profile. Fish, eggs, poultry are rich sources of protein and are low in fats which are important during pregnancy.

3. Fats

• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and peanuts are rich in healthy fats and are also low in carbohydrates which make a great snack option for patients with gestational diabetes.
• Seeds: Pumpkin, chia, flax, and sesame seeds are also good sources of healthy fats.
• Avocado: This fruit is also a great source of healthy fats and vitamin E which is a good option for a patient with gestational diabetes.

Foods To Avoid In Gestational Diabetes

Avoid foods such as carbonated beverages, fried foods, alcohol, processed foods like packaged cereals, sweets, or high starchy foods like breads, buns, etc.

In conclusion, a balanced diet is the key for gestational diabetic patient which includes complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats which will maintain the blood sugar profile of the mother and will avoid any chances of complications. Have frequent meals every 2-3 hours which will help in maintaining metabolism and reducing a spike in blood sugar levels. Always add one source of protein and fiber in each meal along with roti and sabzi.

Along, with your diet try to do any physical activity for at least 30-45 minutes that will help in improving insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance.

If you are confused about what to eat and avoid, always consult a qualified dietitian or nutritionist who would help you in deciding what foods are required by your body according to your health condition and requirement.