A woman’s pregnancy is a joyful and transforming time as the body undergoes significant changes to nurture the developing baby. It becomes paramount to prioritize careful monitoring and attention to ensure a healthy and complication-free journey. Gestational diabetes is a concern for many during pregnancy. A healthy pregnancy and the management of gestational diabetes may depend on dietary adjustments. We will discuss the nutritional requirements of pregnant women with gestational diabetes and the role that various Indian foods can play in meeting those requirements.
What points should you keep in mind while planning an Indian diet for gestational diabetes?
The following gestational diabetes diet plan should be followed in order to keep the mother’s and the child’s bodies at normal glucose and nutrient levels:
- Meals should be consumed by breaking them into small portions. Don’t skip meals. Be consistent about when you eat meals and the amount of food you eat at each one. If the meal plan is followed consistently and fairly throughout the day, blood sugar will be steadier.
- Complex carbohydrates such as pulses, rice, and cereals should be consumed in limited amounts. One chappati can be substituted with 3 tablespoons of cooked rice occasionally, preferably brown rice.
- A variety of millets should be a part of your diet; try to stick to wholegrain options. Sorghum (jowar), finger millet (ragi), pearl millet (bajra), foxtail millet (kangni), and kodo millet (kodra) are a few popular choices. A physician or dietician can assist you in selecting the best ones for you.
- By adding fibre to meals, you can improve digestion and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Consuming too many fruits at once will prevent your blood sugar from staying at the right level. Fruit is a good addition to any diet, although some fruits are too sugary for GD women’s bodies to handle. Choose fruits like apple (seb), guava (amrood), pear (nashpati), plum (aloo bukhara), peach (aadoo), Indian gooseberry (amla), Indian blackberry (jamun), or papaya (papita) that have a low glycaemic index (GI).
- Use minimal oil and fat when preparing meals. Target a total of no more than 2-3 teaspoons per day (500 ml/month). Additionally, there’s no need to overindulge in ghee or other fatty or fried foods.
Should preference be given to milk and milk products for gestational diabetes during pregnancy?
Drinking milk can be part of a gestational diabetes diet, but choosing low-fat or skim milk and considering portion sizes is essential. Milk contains carbohydrates, so it is essential to monitor blood sugar levels and balance them with other foods. Consuming milk products, especially ghee or clarified butter, in moderation is advised for those with gestational diabetes. It is high in saturated fats, so limiting its intake and focusing on healthier fat sources such as olive oil or avocado is advisable.
Can I eat the South Indian diet plan for gestational diabetes during pregnancy?
A gestational diabetic diet can contain Idli, a typical South Indian steamed rice and lentil cake. Compared to deep-fried snacks or meals heavy in refined flour, it is usually healthier. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to watch portion sizes and balance them with veggies and protein.
What food items should I avoid during pregnancy with gestational diabetes?
Avoiding sugary foods, syrups, honey, and other simple carbs is advised since they break down and combine with the bloodstream immediately after consumption, thereby raising the risk. Avoid fruits with high sugar and fruit juices completely.
Avoiding flavoured teas or flavoured waters can quickly elevate your blood sugar. Stay away from sweets and desserts.
Refrain from eating packaged and processed foods. Don’t use artificial sweeteners. Keep junk food away. Keep away from refined sugars and baked goods. Eat and drink items that contain simple sugars, such as soda, fizzy drinks, and cold drinks, in moderation or completely avoid them. Refrain from drinking alcohol altogether. Fish with high mercury levels should be avoided. Don’t consume red meat. Fruit juices should be absolutely avoided.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
