WHAT CAN I EAT? – GESTATIONAL DIABETES

From the moment you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes you are likely to be faced with what seems like an endless list of new tasks: more clinic appointments, more blood tests, taking medications, being more active and eating a healthy, balanced diet. No wonder it can all seem so daunting and overwhelming.

One of your first questions is likely to be “what can I eat?” But, with so much to take in, you could still come away from appointments feeling unsure about the answer. And then, there are lots of myths about diabetes and food that you will need to navigate, too.

If you’ve just been diagnosed and aren’t sure about what you can and can’t eat, here’s what you need to know.

I've just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes ­– what can I eat ?

This may come as a surprise, but you don’t have to go on a special diet when have gestational diabetes. Depending on your current diet, you may have to eat less of some foods and more of others. In the past, people were sent away after their diagnosis with a list of foods they weren't allowed to eat, or often told to simply cut out sugar. Nowadays, you may need to make some changes to your diet, but it’s not a case of cutting things out. Rather, you’ll need to follow the same healthy, balanced diet that’s recommended to everyone.

Its all about Control

The main aim for managing gestational diabetes is ensuring that your blood glucose levels are under control, so your healthcare team will discuss targets that are right for you. Achieving the targets will increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and your food choices play a vital role in this. It is important to enjoy your meals while making changes to your food choices that are realistic and achievable. This will help control your blood glucose levels, and help prevent excessive weight gain during your pregnancy.

All carbohydrates will have an impact on your blood glucose levels so be aware of how much you eat. Try to choose nutritious carbohydrate-containing foods such as wholegrain starchy foods, pulses, fruit and vegetables as well as some dairy foods. Your healthcare team will help you understand how carbohydrates affect your blood glucose levels. You may be advised to:

• eat less carbohydrate
• choose better sources of carbohydrates
• spread your carbohydrates throughout the day

Ask to be referred to a dietitian who can support you to come up with a specific eating plan that is tailored to your needs.

Is there anything I should avoid?

Avoid foods labelled ‘diabetic’ or ‘suitable for diabetics’. These foods contain similar amounts of calories and fat, and they can affect your blood glucose levels. They are usually more expensive and can have a laxative effect. Stick to your usual foods. If you want to have an occasional treat, go for your normal treats and keep an eye on your portions.

Fish is good for your health and the development of your baby, so it’s good to eat it regularly. The general recommendation is to eat at least two portions (one portion is about 140g) per week, including one or two portions of oily fish, e.g. mackerel, sardines, salmon, herrings, trout, pilchards. Oily fish is particularly beneficial to heart health but limit the intake to not more than two portions a week. 

Avoid fish which tend to have higher levels of mercury e.g. swordfish, shark and marlin and limit the amount of tuna, which can have relatively high amounts of mercury compared to other fish we eat, to up to four medium-sized cans of tuna or two tuna steaks a week. It is also advisable to avoid raw shellfish to reduce the risk of food poisoning, which can be particularly unpleasant during pregnancy.

It is also important to avoid certain types of cheese, raw or uncooked eggs and meat, liver and unpasteurised milk. Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove any soil and dirt.

Your healthcare professional can discuss, in more details, the foods to avoid.

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