Last Updated on November 13, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
For gestational diabetes, a balanced and healthy diet is necessary which should also include fruits in moderation.
Can I consume fruits with gestational diabetes?
Yes, in moderation. Fruits are essential for a pregnant woman with diabetes as it is full of various minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals and fiber. The fiber present in it slows digestion which even helps in preventing blood sugar spikes. However, they also contain certain agents that can raise your blood sugar levels, such as carbohydrates and natural sugar called fructose. Therefore, choosing the right fruit and its right amount is crucial. In case of any doubt, talk to a registered dietitian, as the carb needs and tolerance differ from person to person.
Which fruits can be consumed with diabetes in pregnancy?
Fruits that are low on the glycemic index (GI) are recommended during gestational diabetes. The GI measures how food affects your blood sugar. The fruits that are low on this scale raise blood sugar slowly. The fiber in fresh fruit helps keep most of them low on the GI scale (55 or under).
A few fruits that are fibrous and low on the scale include apples, pears, dates, etc. Other fruits that are good are blackberries, strawberries, citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines, tomatoes.
What are the healthy ways to consume fruits in diabetes during pregnancy?
It is crucial for women with gestational diabetes to watch the portion size and choose fresh fruits rather than processed and canned ones. Also, since the dried fruit’s sugar content is high, the portion should be less. If you ever consume dried or processed fruit, always check the label for added sugar and avoid those. Similarly, avoid fruit juices as they lack fiber, are high in carbohydrate content, are slow to digest and raise blood sugar levels. Lastly, try to have the fruit in portions throughout the day instead of having it all at once.
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