Gestational diabetes & nutrition
The management of gestational diabetes is a balance between eating enough of the right nutrients for the baby to grow and develop and keeping blood glucose levels within the target range. Most women will be able to manage their diabetes with diet and exercise however some women will need insulin injections to lower their blood glucose.
What foods to choose
- The Australian Dietary Guidelines provide information on how much to eat from each of the five food groups in pregnancy. You should also aim to eat regularly and satisfy your hunger.
- Choose good sources of carbohydrate – fruit, legumes, pasta, heavy seeded breads, milk, yoghurt, high fibre cereals, grainy crackers, sweet potato and corn
- Choose good sources of iron – lean red meat, eggs, fortified wholegrain breakfast cereals
- Choose good sources of calcium – low fat milk, yoghurt, cheese, almonds, soy milk fortified with calcium, tinned fish with bones
- Choose good sources of folate – dark green leafy vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals
- Limit foods high in saturated fat – fatty meats, pastries, creamy sauces, deep fried foods
- Limit foods which are high in added sugar – sweets, biscuits, cakes, soft drinks
Carbohydrate foods
When carbohydrate foods are digested they are released into the blood stream as glucose (sugar). Carbohydrates provide energy for the mother and the growing baby so it is important to continue to eat carbohydrate foods. Eating some low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrate at each meal and snack will help to manage your blood glucose levels and stop you from being hungry.
Read more about carbohydrate foods and the glycemic index on our type 2 diabetes and nutrition page.
If you are feeling hungry you may not be eating enough. Many women try to reduce their intake to try to keep blood glucose within the target range however this may mean that you and your baby aren’t getting the nutrition you need. If you are eating the recommended amount of carbohydrate at your meals and your blood glucose levels are above the target range you may need to start insulin. Many women need to take insulin to manage gestational diabetes, often it is the only way to ensure that baby is getting adequate nutrition whilst keeping your blood glucose levels within your targets.
A dietitian will be able to guide you on the amount of carbohydrate you need, everyone is different. A sample meal plan can be found in the Diabetes Australia Gestational Diabetes booklet.
Weight management
Gaining weight within the recommended guidelines will help to prevent gestational diabetes, help manage blood glucose levels and also promote a healthy pregnancy. If you are gaining weight too quickly it is a good idea to see a dietitian who will review the types of food and drink you are having and the amounts to see where changes can be made. Exercise is also very good for weight management. If you are losing weight you may not be eating enough. A dietitian will be able to review your diet to make sure you are getting all of the nutrients you and your baby need.
Exercise
Exercise is very good for lowering blood glucose levels. Unless you have been told by your doctor that it is unsafe to exercise, aim to be active every day. Walking is the easiest form of exercise but many women also enjoy swimming during pregnancy. If you can’t find the time to exercise, try to be more active in your day by standing while talking on the phone or taking the stairs instead of the escalator. Every bit helps. Always check with your doctor that it is safe for you to exercise during pregnancy.
Further information
- NDSS Diabetes Australia Gestational Diabetes booklet – Caring for yourself and your baby.
- Find an accredited practising dietitian – Dietitians Australia