Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy.
Eating a balanced diet is an important part of any pregnancy. Diet is even more important if you have diabetes.
This article discusses the diet recommendations for women with gestational diabetes who do NOT take insulin.
The best way to improve your diet is by eating a variety of healthy foods.
You should learn how to read food labels, and consult them when making food decisions.
Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you are a vegetarian or on some other special diet.
In general, your diet should be:
You will be asked to eat three small- to moderate- sized meals and one or more snacks each day. Do not skip meals and snacks. Keep the amount and types of food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) the same from day to day.
CARBOHYDRATES
GRAINS, BEANS, AND STARTCHY VEGETABLES
VEGETABLES
FRUITS
MILK AND DAIRY
PROTEIN (MEAT, FISH, DRY BEANS, EGGS, AND NUTS)
SWEETS
FATS
OTHER LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Your doctor may also suggest a safe exercise plan. Walking is usually the easiest type of exercise, but swimming or other low-impact exercises can work just as well. Exercise is an important way to keep blood sugar in control.
Gestational diabetes diet
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American Diabetes Association. Nutrition recommendations and interventions for diabetes: a position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2008;31:S61-S78.
Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, et al. Diabetes. In: Cunningham FG, Leveno KL, Bloom SL, et al, eds. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2010:chap 52.
Serlin DC, Lash RW. Diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus. Am Fam Physician. 2009 Jul 1;80(1):57-62.
Benjamin TD, Pridijan G. Update on gestational diabetes. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics. 2010 June;27(2):255-267.
Updated by: A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine (9/13/2011)
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