DIET TIPS FOR DIABETES DURING PREGNANCY

⛔ Gestational diabetes, also known as diabetes during pregnancy, is a complex condition that can occur in any pregnant woman. It often progresses silently, with many women unaware they have it until they undergo routine prenatal check-ups and are tested for gestational diabetes.  

👉 To prevent or improve gestational diabetes from a nutritional perspective, let's explore with MSc. Dr. Nguyen Phuong Anh - Nutrition Specialist at CarePlus Clinics! 

1/ What is gestational diabetes? 

🔷 Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by impaired glucose tolerance, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. It typically arises during pregnancy (usually between the 24th and 28th weeks) and resolves on its own after childbirth. 

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the prevalence of gestational diabetes in Vietnam increased to 21.8% in 2021, about five times higher than the period from 2001 to 2004. 

2/ Is gestational diabetes dangerous? 

If pregnant women do not manage their blood sugar levels well, gestational diabetes increases the risk of adverse obstetric outcomes for both mother and baby. 

🔹 Risks for the mother: pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), preterm birth, stillbirth, miscarriage, etc. Additionally, women with gestational diabetes are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years and are more likely to experience gestational diabetes in future pregnancies.  

🔹 Risks for the baby: the fetus may produce excess insulin, leading to excessive growth, resulting in a large baby and complications from delivering a large baby, hypoglycemia after birth, etc. Furthermore, children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes or obesity later in life. 

3/ How to prevent gestational diabetes? 

Overweight and obesity are major factors that increase the risk of gestational diabetes; however, these factors can be controlled. Therefore, women planning to become pregnant should maintain a healthy weight, particularly those who are overweight or obese, and should plan for appropriate weight loss. 

4/ Nutrition regimen for women with gestational diabetes 

The nutrition regimen should be personalized based on the mother’s pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, fetal development, eating habits, and physical activity. 

In general, the nutrition regimen for pregnant women with gestational diabetes should adhere to the following principles: 

🔹 Sufficient energy intake for appropriate weight gain 

Although reducing energy intake can help pregnant women better control their blood sugar, consuming too few calories can negatively affect fetal development. The Vietnam National Institute of Nutrition recommends the following weight gain for the entire pregnancy: 10-12 kg for mothers with a normal pre-pregnancy weight, 8-11 kg for overweight mothers, and 5-8 kg for obese mothers. 

🔹 Balance carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the diet 

To date, no recommendations suggest strictly reducing carbohydrates to control blood sugar during pregnancy. Balance carbohydrate needs at about 50-55%, protein at about 15-20%, and fat at about 25-35% of energy requirements. 

🔹 Choose low-glycemic foods 

Low glycemic index foods are those that raise blood sugar slowly after eating, including brown rice, corn, carrots, tomatoes, bananas, apples, etc. They contain fewer simple sugars, are high in fiber, and should be cooked at low temperatures, with little water, and for a short time. For example, boiled corn has a lower glycemic index than grilled corn because the boiling temperature is lower than the grilling temperature. 

🔹 Encourage moderate exercise after meals 

This aims to improve insulin sensitivity and help control blood sugar levels better. 

Therefore, pregnant women need to adjust their nutrition regimen appropriately to manage gestational diabetes while providing sufficient nutrients for fetal development. It is better to have a nutritionist develop a suitable regimen and closely monitor the condition. 

👉 If you are interested in preventing or improving gestational diabetes, do not hesitate to contact CarePlus for consultation from our experienced Nutrition Specialists! 

Inbox or call our free hotline at 1800 6116 to book your appointment now!  

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group