Gestational Diabetes Diet: Expert Tips & Plans

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Summary of Transcript:
The video discusses gestational diabetes, a specific type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts that cause insulin resistance. Symptoms can include increased thirst, urination, blurred vision, and fatigue, but many people do not experience any symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and talking to your healthcare team before making any lifestyle changes during pregnancy are important. A healthy diet for gestational diabetes is similar to a healthy diet for diabetes, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats should be paired with carbs, and meals should be eaten regularly throughout the day. The video aims to provide information and support to those diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

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Summary of Description:
The article discusses meal plans and diet guidelines for women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The author explains that healthy eating for gestational diabetes looks different each day and that women should not restrict themselves from eating the foods they want. The article provides tips for eating with gestational diabetes and suggests that women consult a dietitian for personalized advice.

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Introduction
Pregnancy is a time of many changes for a woman’s body, and one of the concerns that may come up is gestational diabetes. This condition affects up to 10% of pregnant women and can cause both mother and baby complications. However, with the right meal plan and guidance from a registered dietitian, it’s possible to manage gestational diabetes and maintain a healthy pregnancy.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It happens when the hormones produced by the placenta interfere with the body’s use of insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. As a result, pregnant women with gestational diabetes may have high blood sugar levels, which can harm their and their baby’s health.

What Are The Symptoms?
Many women with gestational diabetes have no symptoms, so getting screened for the condition during pregnancy is important. However, common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

How Can You Prevent Gestational Diabetes?
While some factors contributing to gestational diabetes may be out of a woman’s control, such as age or family history, some steps can reduce the risk of developing the condition. These include staying active, maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy, and eating a balanced diet.

What Can You Eat?
The good news is that you don’t have to give up all your favorite foods if you have gestational diabetes. However, you may need to adjust your eating habits to manage your blood sugar levels. It’s important to eat a variety of foods from all food groups, including:

– Carbohydrates: Choose complex carbs high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
– Protein: Include lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, tofu, and beans in your meals and snacks.
– Healthy fats: Choose foods high in unsaturated fats, such as nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil.

It’s also important to spread your meals and snacks throughout the day to avoid large spikes in blood sugar levels. Your registered dietitian can provide more specific guidance based on your individual needs.

What Are Some Tips For Eating With Gestational Diabetes?
Here are some tips to help you eat well and manage your blood sugar levels during pregnancy:

– Don’t skip meals or snacks, which can cause low blood sugar levels.
– Choose foods with a low glycemic index, which means they don’t cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Examples include sweet potatoes, non-starchy vegetables, and legumes.
– Avoid sugary drinks and sweetened foods, including soda, juice, candy, and baked goods.
– Pay attention to portion sizes, as eating too much of any food can cause high blood sugar levels.
– Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and share the results with your healthcare team.

Conclusion
Managing gestational diabetes during pregnancy can be a challenge, but with the right meal plan and support, it’s possible to have a healthy pregnancy. Work with a registered dietitian who can help you create a personalized meal plan that meets your nutritional needs while keeping your blood sugar levels in check. Remember to eat various foods from all groups, and pay attention to portion sizes and timing of meals and snacks. By taking these steps, you can promote good health for you and your baby.

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See Original Source

Source Description
During pregnancy, you’re already adjusting to multiple changes in your body, and a diagnosis of gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, healthy eating with this condition during pregnancy looks different each day, and you should feel free to eat many of the foods you want. Here’s what you need to know for planning a gestational diabetes meal plan that will work for you.

#Pregnancy #Diabetes #Foods #Diet #Dietitian #EatingWell

Read the article at: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/291744/gestational-diabetes-meal-plan-diet-guidelines/

00:00 Introduction
00:22 What Is Gestational Diabetes?
1:07 What Are The Symptoms?
1:27 How Can You Prevent Gestational Diabetes?
1:52 What Can You Eat?
2:15 What Are Some Tips For Eating With Gestational Diabetes?

An EatingWell registered dietitian answers the internet’s burning questions about the hottest topics in nutrition, diet, and health.

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Meal Plans and Diet Guidelines for Gestational Diabetes | Dietitian Q&A | EatingWell

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