Diets for Diabetes and Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women with diabetes are at a higher risk. They can experience the condition during the pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or beforehand. Either way, the high production of glucose while being pregnant offers limitations. For one, their condition must be closely monitored throughout the entire pregnancy. They must also fight cravings and stick to a strict calorie diet. Carbohydrates must also be watched and counted during pregnancy.

Carbohydrate Counting

Carbs are transformed to glucose in the body. That is why they must be watched during a pregnancy of diabetics. Carbohydrates are in starchy foods, fruits, sugar, vegetable and dairy products. In order to properly monitor the glucose during pregnancy, the consumed carbohydrates must be counted and distributed evenly with the amounts of protein and fats in the body.

The way to count carbohydrates is to know how many carbohydrates are in the foods that you eat each day. Usually each starch that is a source of carbohydrate contains 12 to 15 grams of carbs. Pay attention to packaging to know the serving size, and the grams of carbohydrates in each of the servings. There are only 5 grams of carbs in each serving of vegetables.

Diet During Pregnancy

The intake of food is increased during the second and third trimester during pregnancy. Many diabetic pregnant women need to gain weight during this time and will consume a 2200-calorie diet. In addition to the calories, an increase of about 12 grams of protein is also added to the diet. Of the calories that are consumed, 60 percent of the calories must come from carbohydrates and the other 40 percent from protein and fats.

A doctor or nutritionist will help you to develop a valid menu plan. This plan will include the right amount of starches, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, proteins and fats. These nutrients will be spread out between three meals and three snacks. Following this regimen, and not skipping any of the proposed meals, will ensure that blood sugar levels stays neutralized--this is especially important for the bedtime snack so that blood sugar levels does not fall too low overnight.

Diabetic women should eat at the same times every day during pregnancy. This allows the body to adjust to feeding times and become accustomed to when sugar will be supplied to the body. They should avoid foods that are made of sugars, honey, molasses, corn syrup, jelly, jam and maple syrup. Eating carbohydrates that are also high in fiber will better help control the glucose levels and keep them regular.