December 10, 2007

Gestational Diabetes Diet

Gestational Diabetes Diet Good For Mother And Child:

It is not unusual during pregnancy, to develop diabetes , result to the massive hormone changes going on in the body. Developing diabetes when pregnant and having no previous history of diabetes is termed gestational diabetes. Diet become increasing important if the mother-to-be plans to give birth to a healthy baby and not following an appropriate gestational diabetes diet can lead to problems at birth and after.

Additionally, a women with gestational diabetes generally lose the symptoms after birth and are removed from diabetes treatment, but it may remain as a risk factor for the future and will need to be monitored on a regular basis. With a gestational diabetes diet, one of the primary considerations is the intake of simple carbohydrates. The body metabolizes carbohydrates into glucose, which in the fuel the body needs to function. Insulin is produced by the body to help the glucose get into the body’s cells where it provides energy.

With a gestational diabetes diet, the amount of simple carbohydrates and sugar are limited to prevent the build up of sugar in the bloodstream where it can cause a host of health problems for the mother as well as the infant. In most cases a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes will give birth to a healthy infant, provided they follow a gestational diabetes diet as well as get plenty of exercise and watch their weight.

Surprises In Diets:

For many people, milk is a staple in their diet, believing they need it to help the infant during pregnancy. The reality is that lactose found in milk is processed into glucose quickly in the body and many gestational diabetes diet plans limit the amount of milk. We do not have to totally eliminate all carbohydrates, as the body still needs glucose to operate, but it is important to eat the right carbohydrates that do not turn into sugar too quickly.

High fiber foods and complex carbohydrates, such as peas and many legumes along with whole grain breads are good for a gestational diabetes diet, as they take longer to break down into glucose providing a steady supply of fuel instead of a quick burst that cannot be processed with a shortening supply of insulin.

Many doctors suggest a gestational diabetes diet with a specified amount of carbohydrate servings according to the needs of the individual patient. Many of the foods such as juice and many fruits that are generally believed to be good during pregnancy, may be greatly reduced or eliminated on a gestational diabetes diet.

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