Diabetes in Pregnancy Diet Planning

Ideally, you should have your blood sugar levels within good control three to six months prior to pregnancy. Good planningmeans following a diet and exercise plan, getting your blood sugar levels in good control, and receiving management and diet education from your doctor, dietitian and/or diabetes educator. Have your doctor assess your medication regimen and make changes for pregnancy as needed. Some of your medications may not be safe for pregnancy

 

If you are already pregnant, work with your healthcare team as soon as possible to learn how to meet your dietary needs and get control of your blood glucose levels. Even changes during pregnancy help to greatly lower risk.

 

Remember your situation is unique and will require a tailored plan that may take some trial-and-error and tweaking throughout pregnancy. Maintaining good control will help to lower risks for birth defects and provide an empowered and prepared start to a pregnancy with diabetes.

 

4 Challenges for Diabetes During Pregnancy

• A bigger appetite and need for extra nutrients. You may need more protein, iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamins. You will be hungrier but also need to ensure you are eating the right kinds of food and getting the micronutrients to sustain both you and your growing baby.
• Morning sickness. If you are being treated with insulin, it is important to eat all your meals and snacks to help avoid hypoglycemia. This can be difficult when you are nauseated and vomiting.
• Insulin resistance. As your pregnancy progresses, your glucose levels may become harder to control. You may have had them under good control previously, but the changes of pregnancy can mean you will have more of a challenge to keep them steady.
• Overweight or underweight. If you fall into one of these categories, your diet plan should reflect your weight gain needs.

 

What You Need to Know for Your Diet During Pregnancy

Here are some topics to discuss with your healthcare team when planning your diet for diabetes in pregnancy:

 

• Prenatal vitamins
• Total daily calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat
• Total calories, carbohydrates, protein and fat per meal and snack
• Best food choices for your situation
• What foods to avoid
• Blood sugar level goals
• Weight gain goals
• How to deal with illness, travel, high or low blood sugar levels, and the challenges listed above

 

Breakfast is often the most challenging meal. Fasting levels before breakfast are hard to control and blood sugar levels seem to be the most reactive in the morning. Ask your healthcare team about how to deal with breakfast and about good breakfast choices for you.
More: Gestational Diabetes Recipe and Meal Ideas

 

If you have already identified daily patterns in your blood sugar levels, such as when your levels seem to be the lowest or highest, it will be helpful to let your doctor know.