Monday, November 28, 2011

Some Sample Diets For Gestational Diabetes

By Fiona Clarkson


Gestational diabetes leads to excessive blood glucose levels during pregnancy. This medical problem starts between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy and seems very similar to type 2 diabetes.Even though gestational diabetes often disappears after the child's birth, there's a chance that type 2 diabetes will take place later in life. Diets for both kinds of diabetes sufferers are similar. Checking carbohydrate intake becomes an integral part of daily dietary habits.

During digestion meals is metabolized and carbohydrates turn into glucose (simple sugars). Simple sugars reach the cells exactly where insulin assists in converting them to energy. During pregnancy, other hormones within the body trigger gestational diabetes to make the body insulin resistant.Sample diets promotes a well-balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats for the calories and energy required for the developing baby and keeping the health and strength of the mother. Daily carbohydrate intake, in accordance to a tight time table, helps regulate blood sugar, keeping it normal.

1 serving size of carbohydrates is 12 to 15 grams ( cup of cereal or 1 slice of bread). Examples of sample serving sizes: Carbohydrates - 1 serving: cup pasta, mashed potatoes, peas, corn; 1/3 cup beans or rice; hamburger or hotdog bun, frozen bagel, English muffin; 6 saltines.Protein - 1 serving: 3 oz of meat, 1 egg, cup cottage cheese, 2 Tbsp peanut butter.Fruit - 1 serving: cup applesauce, 2 inch apple, 1 kiwi.

Sample diets should provide additional calories (about 300 each day) required for a baby's development, weight gain and dietary needs.Carbohydrates from refined food items are not used as well as those from veggies and fruits (processed foods are also calorie dense) " similar sized vegetable servings would have less carbohydrates and calories and less carbohydrates than 1 serving of macaroni and cheese. Vegetables have just 5 grams of carbohydrates for each serving.Dieticians, according to a physician's recommendations, will work out a sample diet for gestational diabetes that meets the specific requirements of mother and baby.

Obesity (prior to pregnancy) is a risk factor for the development of gestational diabetes. Many obstetricians suggest that obese women gain just 10 pounds during pregnancy to help minimize possible delivery complications. Side effects of eating less is burning more - by gaining just 10 lbs during pregnancy means that often the body uses up fat thereby releasing ketones which can have negative neurological results on the developing child. Ketones could be produced in obese women who are following strict diets or who have uncontrolled gestational diabetes.It is important to follow dietary recommendations of dieticians and physicians throughout pregnancy.






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