In gestational diabetes, it is imperative to have a good nutrition when you are pregnant.
Diabetes develops when your body can't effectively produce insulin or use it to any parts of the body.
Insulin is a hormone manufactured by the pancreas that to turn sugar or glucose in your blood into usable fuel.
When huge amounts of glucose build up in your blood, it means that your cells are not getting that much fuel they need.
If this happens, this will result to a high blood sugar which can be harmful for you and your developing baby.
One simple way to stabilize blood sugar levels is to follow a specific meal plan.
It is strongly recommended that you seek for a registered dietitian who can construct a diet particularly suited for you, basing on your weight, height, lifestyle, physical activity, developing needs of your baby and level of glucose intolerance.
Food preferences may also be taken into account.
If dietary changes would not be enough to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range, taking insulin is an option.
Here are the general guidelines when it comes to your gestational diabetes diet.
Try to munch through variety of foods.
It is very important to evenly distribute calories and carbohydrates throughout the day.
Both your meals and snacks should be balanced.
It is highly recommended that you consume three small size meals and four snacks every day with an after-dinner snack already.
Your meal plan may contain fewer carbohydrates than you normally have, but these carbohydrates will continue to provide most of your caloric needs.
Never attempt to skip meals.
Consistency is the key point here.
Be steady and consistent about the time you eat them and the amount of food consumed.
You must follow a strict guideline in order to stay away from risking your own health.
It is deemed important that a very consistent approach is taken in order for your life to go a long way.
Blood sugar level will stabilize if foods are evenly distributed throughout the day.
Eating a good breakfast with high fiber foods is greatly recommended.
It was once found out that breakfast is the best mealtime of the day.
You can ignore lunch or dinner but never disregard breakfast.
These high fiber foods are whole grain breads, cereals, dried peas, beans, legumes and fresh fruits and vegetables.
These foods when digested in the body are absorbed slowly, thus, keeping your blood sugar levels on a normal healthy range.