2012年6月30日 星期六

Managing Pregnancy Gestational Diabetes - Nutritional Issues


One of the most commonly observed diabetes types in pregnant women is gestational diabetes. In U.S only, an estimated 4% of mothers are affected by this condition and approximately 14% worldwide. During pregnancy, placenta supplies nutrition to the fetus. Apart from this, placenta also secretes certain hormones and proteins that are extremely essential in the normal development of the fetus. However, these hormones in certain individuals tend to interfere with pancreatic insulin secretion and its cellular absorption. This results in troubled glucose metabolism, a health condition that is medically termed as pregnancy gestational diabetes.

Preventing gestational diabetes is extremely important for the health of the mother and fetus. Excess glucose present in the blood can cross through the placenta into the fetus, thereby resulting in the birth of a baby bigger than normal size. Also, these babies are at higher risk of developing glucose intolerance, congenital respiratory problems, obesity and diabetes. In mothers, pregnancy gestational diabetes can cause hypertension, preeclampsia and fetal death.

As per several expert health care professionals, the best approach for controlling pregnancy gestational diabetes is to consume diet with low glycemic value, monitor blood glucose levels regularly and lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Below are mentioned some important nutritional issues that constitute the basic diet pattern that must be followed during pregnancy gestational diabetes.


Preventing gestational diabetes through a diabetic diet is possible only when you consume a protein-rich diet. In fact, proteins are the building blocks of life that support the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy. On an average, daily recommended dosage of protein during pregnancy is 60gms. Interestingly, pregnant women with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of protein malnutrition. Hence, 75-100g of protein intake is recommended.
Another essential nutrient to be consumed during pregnancy is fiber. High fiber diet ensures sustained release of glucose into the blood whenever required. As a result, at no stage one might have high blood glucose levels.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also be a cause of pregnancy gestational diabetes. Remember to enrich your diet with B-vitamins such as pyridoxine and certain important trace elements such as Chromium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron and Zinc. Vegetables and fruits are a major source of vitamins and minerals.
Most importantly, avoid consumption of any sweets for preventing any diabetes types. By doing this, one can limit the average calorie intake. Usually, women during pregnancy require almost 300 extra calories per day. Gestational diabetes can be easily managed when the average calorie intake is within that range.
One more point that must be included in the diet for preventing gestational diabetes is to avoid any overload of complex carbohydrates that come with processed foods. Consult with your physician regularly and keep a daily track on the number of carbohydrates consumed per day. Remember to distribute your daily carbohydrate intake into multiple meals and consume. On an average, 12-15gms of carbohydrates must be consumed per day.

A properly balanced gestational diabetes diet ensures proper nutrition to both the mother and the fetus. Pregnancy gestational diabetes appears between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy and can be easily controlled by regularizing diet and lifestyle.

By keeping this information in mind, you are far more likely to better understand pregnancy and gestational diabetes.




For more information on Diet For Gestational Diabetes, try visiting http://www.curefordiabetes.org - it is a website offering solid tips and information on different diabetes treatments and diabetes in general.





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