Maternity : Healthy eating for Gestational Diabetes  

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is a condition where the body is unable to control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This occurs as a result of the body not producing enough insulin or the insulin not working properly. Food and drink directly affects the amount of glucose in your blood. The aim of this leaflet is to provide advice about healthy foods to eat to support a healthy pregnancy and baby.  

This condition can develop at any stage of pregnancy and is more common in the second and third trimesters. After birth, it should resolve, however there is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Eating a healthy diet and managing your weight can reduce the likelihood of this. 

How is gestational diabetes treated?

It is important to understand that everyone’s journey with gestational diabetes is different. A healthy diet during pregnancy can help control blood glucose levels and support baby’s growth. Some people may be able to control blood sugar with diet and lifestyle changes alone, yet, and some may also require medication. If required, medication such as metformin or insulin can utilised to support glucose control. Both medications are safe to use during pregnancy. 

The most important thing trying to find the combination which works for you and you will be supported throughout your journey by the diabetes specialist nurse and diabetes specialist dietitian. 

Diet and lifestyle

It is important to ensure you choose healthy nutritious food during pregnancy to prevent excess weight gain and support baby’s development and growth. 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have the greatest impact on blood glucose. They are broken down into glucose and cause blood glucose to rise. Carbohydrates form part of a healthy diet and therefore should not be excluded. However, it is important to be carbohydrate aware. The total amount of carbohydrate in a meal or snack affects blood glucose levels – the larger the portion of carbohydrate the higher blood glucose will rise. Carbohydrates foods include: 

Types of carbohydrate  

It is advised to eat one portion of starchy carbohydrates at every meal, approximately ¼ of a plate (shown in the diagram below). Choosing carbohydrate foods which are broken down more slowly (low glycaemic index) can help to control blood glucose levels.  

These options are often higher in fibre which is good for healthy gut bacteria and support feelings of fullness. Reducing your portions of carbohydrates, including foods which contain excess sugar, will help control blood glucose levels. 

Starchy carbohydrate                        

Choose                Limit

Plate model 

Choosing foods from each food group will help reduce the impact on your blood glucose levels. Try to base your meals as shown in the image below: 

Plate portion recommendation

Fruit and vegetables

Eat a variety of different coloured fruit and vegetables – these provide you with vitamins, minerals and fibre which support both you and your baby's health.   

• Aim to eat at least 5 portions fruit and vegetables per day. 
• Aim to fill half your meal plate with vegetables. 
• Non starchy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach will have a limited impact on blood glucose and therefore good options to support control. 
• Have one portion of fruit at a time (one portion fits into the palm of your hand) e.g. 1 apple, 1 orange, 2 apricots. 
• Try to avoid fruit juice and fruit based smoothies (both homemade and shop bought) – these are high in sugar. 

Foods high in sugar

Chocolate, biscuits, crisps, cakes, ice-cream and sweets should only be eaten occasionally (not every day) and in small amounts. 

• Check food labels: reduce foods labelled with ‘red’ sugar content. Foods labelled as 5g sugars per 100g/100ml
• Avoid sugar, syrup, treacle, molasses, agave nectar or honey. You can use artificial sweeteners to sweeten foods.
• Choose sugar free, diet or artificially sweetened diluted or carbonated drinks

Dairy and alternative

These contain carbohydrates and are a good source of calcium and protein. Aim for three portions per day – choosing lower fat versions if you are trying to limit weight gain. e.g. 1 glass of milk, 1 pot of diet or low sugar yogurt, 25g of cheese. 

Protein

Meat, poultry, fish, eggs and vegetarian/vegan alternatives are all good sources of protein, iron and minerals. Include these at each meal time and aim to cover ¼ of your plate (see plate model above). Vegan and vegetarian meat alternatives can contain carbohydrates, therefore if you’d like to include these in your diet look to include these as part of a balanced meal and speak with your dietitian for support. 

Snacks

Top tips to help lower your blood glucose levels: 

• Ensure to eat regular meals throughout the day.
• Aim for ½ plate of vegetables, ¼ protein and the remaining ¼ of slow release carbohydrates
• Choose slow release carbohydrates such as seed bread, brown rice/pasta or oats.
• Try adding a protein source at breakfast such as boiled/scrambled egg, lean bacon or peanut butter.
• Low carbohydrate snacks are good for between meals or when you are feeling hungry. 
• Light exercise/activity (10-15mins) post meal such as housework or a short walk can help lower blood glucose levels. Try to avoid sitting for long periods of time, such as taking the stairs instead of the lift.
• You do not need to eat foods labelled ‘diabetic foods’ as part of your diet.

Weight gain during pregnancy

Weight gain varies greatly and depends on what you weighed before pregnancy. If you gain too much weight this can affect yours and your baby’s health. It is a myth that you are “eating for two’, throughout pregnancy, only an extra 200kcal is required in the last trimester of pregnancy. 

Cutting down on high fat and high sugar foods during pregnancy may help you avoid gaining too much weight during pregnancy. It is important that you do not actively try to lose weight during pregnancy as you and your baby need adequate energy and nutrients.

Further information

 It is important to ensure optimal nutrition for yourself and baby, therefore it is advised that you do not reduce your intake significantly to support blood control. Both you and baby need enough nutrients to have energy and grow. If you find you are reducing your intake too much or feel hungry following changes to your diet, please contact your healthcare team for support.

 The Diabetes team will work alongside Antenatal to support throughout pregnancy. Our reviews will be conducted remotely via telephone, virtual group sessions or text. We advise reaching out to our team if you have any questions or concerns. 

Please note: this leaflet is intended as general information only. Any additional dietary requirements can be discussed with the Diabetes Specialist Dietitian.

Contact details

Cumberland Infirmary CA2 7HY  Telephone  - 01228 814780

West Cumberland Hospital   CA28 8JG Telephone 01946 523002                                    

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