Gestational Diabetes Diet

A gestational diabetes diet is intended to keep blood glucose within a target range. Usually, a gestational diabetes diet is designed by a dietitian or diabetes educator. This gestational diabetes diet article is intended to provide general information; it is not meant to replace the interaction between a woman and her healthcare provider.

 

Gestational Diabetes Diet: An Overview

A gestational diabetes diet is intended to keep your blood glucose within a target range. Women with gestational diabetes will talk with a dietitian or a diabetes educator who will design a gestational diabetes diet plan to help you choose foods that are healthy for you and your baby. The plan will provide guidelines on:
 
  • Which foods to eat
  • When to eat
  • How much to eat.
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Choices, amounts, and timing are all important in keeping your blood glucose levels in your target range.
 
This article is intended to provide an overview of the gestational diabetes diet; it is not meant to replace the interaction with your healthcare provider.
 

What Is a Healthy Gestational Diabetes Diet?

A healthy gestational diabetes diet is one that includes a balance of foods from all the food groups, giving you the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy.
 For women with gestational diabetes, such a diet also helps to keep blood sugar levels in the healthy target range.
 
Because eating a healthy diet is such an important part of a treatment plan for gestational diabetes, women should not try to create their own diets. To promote health throughout your pregnancy, it is essential that you work with your healthcare provider to create a plan for your healthy gestational diabetes diet. It is also important that you follow the plan once it has been designed.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD