KEY NUTRTITIONAL CARE FOR WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Mrs.sheela Paul & Ms.Vimala

Pregnancy alone is a critical condition, how much more if the mother is going through another serious medical situation such as diabetes? Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects the way your body uses sugar (glucose) — your body's main source of fuel. Gestational diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels that are unlikely to cause problems for you, but can threaten the health of your unborn baby. Any pregnancy complication is concerning, but there's good news.

You can manage gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising
regularly and, if necessary, taking medication. Taking good care of yourself can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and a healthy start for your baby. Fortunately, gestational diabetes is usually short-lived. Blood sugar levels typically return to normal

soon after delivery.

Gestational diabetes will affect about 4 percent of all pregnant women, potentially causing major consequences for both the mother and her child


Healthy Eating:

• No single diet is right for every woman. Your meal plan should be based on your blood sugar levels, height, weight, exercise habits and food preferences

• Eating the right kind and amount of food is one of the best ways to control your blood sugar level.

• Making healthy food choices also helps prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy, which can put you at higher risk of complications

• A healthy diet often means including more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Take a well balanced and nutritious food, calories in required amount, low in fat and complex carbohydrates.

• Choosing high fiber foods will help to control your blood sugar and have regular bowel movements. Include fiber foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, green leafy vegetables, whole grain cereals, legumes, dhal, and nuts.

• No harm taking Non-Veg in prescribed amount. Avoid deep fried preparations

• Use combination of oil (groundnut oil+gingelly oil +sunflower /saffola oil.

• Include 3% fat milk and milk products in your every meal to strengthen your bones and promote healthy development of your baby’s bones.

• Artificial sweetener are NOT safe during pregnancy.

• Some people with gestational diabetes can control their blood sugar with diet alone. They do this by eating 3 meals and 1 to 3 snacks each day.

• You will need a snack at bedtime to prevent low blood sugar levels during overnight..

• Eat at the same times each day, whenever possible, and never skip meals or snacks. Spread your food out evenly over the day so that you eat about every 2 to 3 hours.

• Avoid foods and beverages with added sugar, sugar syrup, honey, or jams and jellies.

• Read the labels of packaged foods to find the nutritive value.
There are no guarantees when it comes to preventing gestational diabetes — but the more healthy habits you can adopt before pregnancy, the better. An expectant mother who is going through gestational diabetes must be closely monitored by a pediatrician to ensure her safety and of the child as well.