Lebensmittel bei Schwangerschaftsdiabetes: Was du wissen musst

Foods for gestational diabetes: What you need to know

May 22, 2024

Gestational diabetes and nutrition

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. In this condition, the expectant mother has high blood sugar levels that can affect the baby. Gestational diabetes usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy and in most cases disappears after birth. However, it is important to control your diet to reduce the risk of complications.

The importance of nutrition in gestational diabetes

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in controlling gestational diabetes. Proper nutrition can stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce complications. Women with gestational diabetes should plan their diet carefully and ensure they have a balanced nutrient intake.

It is important to balance the consumption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats to control blood sugar levels. A low-carbohydrate diet can help keep blood sugar levels stable. Proteins are important for the baby's growth and development, while healthy fats are an important source of energy.

Careful meal planning and monitoring blood sugar levels are important aspects of diet for gestational diabetes. By focusing on complex carbohydrates, high-fiber foods, and a balanced diet, you can promote healthy weight gain during pregnancy and control blood sugar levels.

It is advisable to avoid sugary foods and processed foods as they can increase blood sugar levels. Instead, women with gestational diabetes should focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains and adequate fluid intake.

By following a healthy diet, women with gestational diabetes can reduce the likelihood of complications and promote a healthy pregnancy and birth. However, it is important to consult with a nutritionist to consider individual needs and recommendations.

Foods for gestational diabetes

When it comes to diet for gestational diabetes, it's important to choose the right foods to keep blood sugar levels under control. A balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods can help support the health of both mother and baby during pregnancy. In this section, we'll focus on three key nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body. However, with gestational diabetes, it is important to pay attention to the type and amount of carbohydrates consumed in order to keep blood sugar levels stable. Complex carbohydrates that are digested slowly are usually the best choice. These are found in whole grains, vegetables, legumes and brown rice.

It is also important to consider the glycemic index (GI) of the carbohydrates. Foods with a lower GI are digested more slowly and lead to a slower rise in blood sugar levels. Table 1 shows examples of low GI foods.

Groceries	GI
Whole grain bread	50
oatmeal	55
Quinoa	53
legumes	Average 30-40

Proteins

Proteins play an important role in the development of the baby and in maintaining muscle mass in the mother. They also help stabilize blood sugar levels. Good sources of protein for women with gestational diabetes include lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes and low-fat dairy products.

Table 2 shows examples of protein-rich foods and their protein contents.

Groceries	Protein content per 100 g
chicken breast	31g
Salmon	20g
Greek yogurt	10g
Quinoa	14g

Fats

Although fats have a bad reputation, they are still an important part of a balanced diet. Healthy fats provide energy and support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. If you have gestational diabetes, it is important to consume healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil and fatty fish.

However, it is advisable to limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, as they can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Table 3 shows examples of foods containing healthy fats.

Groceries	Healthy fats
avocado	Healthy monounsaturated fats
Walnuts	Omega-3 fatty acids
Salmon	Omega-3 fatty acids
olive oil	Healthy monounsaturated fats

By making conscious choices about carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats, women with gestational diabetes can achieve a balanced diet and better control blood sugar levels. However, it is always advisable to consult with a nutritionist or doctor to discuss individual nutritional needs and develop an appropriate meal plan.

Nutritional tips for women with gestational diabetes

When it comes to diet for gestational diabetes, proper eating habits play an important role. Here are some nutritional tips that women with gestational diabetes should consider.

Meal planning

Structured meal planning is crucial to keeping blood sugar levels stable. Here are some tips that can help:

Regular meals: Try to eat regularly and break up larger meals into several smaller meals throughout the day. This can help prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
High-fiber foods: Include high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your meals. Fiber can help control blood sugar levels and promote satiety.
Proteins: Include a good source of protein at every meal, such as lean meat, fish, eggs or legumes. Proteins help keep blood sugar levels stable and contribute to satiety.
Healthy fats: Avoid saturated fats and trans fats. Instead, incorporate healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil into your diet.

Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels

It is important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly to ensure they remain within the target range. Here are some tips that can help you do this:

Blood sugar testing: Perform regular blood sugar testing as recommended by your doctor. Record the results and discuss them at your doctor's appointments.
Count carbohydrates: Pay attention to the amount of carbohydrates in your diet. Talk to your doctor about the recommended amount of carbohydrates per meal and adjust your portion sizes accordingly.
Observe the effects of food: Pay attention to how certain foods affect your blood sugar levels. Everyone's body reacts differently to different foods. Make note of which foods raise or lower your blood sugar levels so you can adjust your diet accordingly.

Through careful meal planning and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, women with gestational diabetes can successfully control their diet. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your health care provider for individualized recommendations.

Foods to avoid

In the case of gestational diabetes, it is important to avoid certain foods in order to keep blood sugar levels stable. In particular, sugary foods and processed foods should be limited or completely eliminated from the diet.

Sugary foods

Sugary foods can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly and should therefore be avoided. Here are some examples of sugary foods that should be limited in gestational diabetes:

Groceries	Sugar content (per 100 g)
lemonade	10 - 12g
sweets	50 - 60g
Pastries and cakes	30 - 50g
Fruit juice (without added pulp)	10 - 15g

It is important to pay attention to labels and identify hidden sugars in foods. This includes sugary drinks such as soda, sweetened tea and energy drinks. It is advisable to switch to water, unsweetened tea or drinks sweetened with stevia.

finished products

Ready-to-eat foods often contain high amounts of processed carbohydrates, sugar and saturated fats. These can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly and are therefore not recommended for gestational diabetes. Here are some examples of ready-to-eat foods that should be limited:

Finished product	Carbohydrates (per 100 g)
Frozen pizza	30 - 40g
Ready meals (microwave)	20 - 40g
Fast food burger	30 - 40g
Snack chips	50 - 60g

It is advisable to prefer fresh and unprocessed foods to ensure a healthy diet for gestational diabetes. This includes preparing meals at home with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains.

By reducing or avoiding sugary foods and processed foods, you can help keep blood sugar levels under control and support the health of mother and baby during pregnancy. It is always advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist before making any major changes to your diet to ensure that your individual needs and requirements are taken into account.

Healthy alternatives and recommendations

When it comes to a healthy diet for gestational diabetes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proper hydration play an important role. Here are some recommendations and healthy alternatives that women with gestational diabetes can include in their diet.

fruit and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They should be an important part of the diet to meet nutritional needs during pregnancy. Here are some healthy options:

Fruit	nutrient
Apples	Fiber, vitamin C
Berries (e.g. blueberries, raspberries)	Antioxidants, fiber
Oranges	Vitamin C, fiber
Bananas	Potassium, fiber

Vegetables	nutrient
broccoli	Dietary fiber, folic acid
Carrots	Vitamin A, fiber
spinach	Iron, folic acid, fiber
tomatoes	Vitamin C, fiber

It is important to consume fruits and vegetables in balanced amounts and to choose fresh, unsweetened varieties. Avoid excessive consumption of fruit juices as they can often contain added sugar.

whole grain products

Whole grains are high in fiber and can help keep blood sugar levels stable. Here are some healthy options:

whole grain products	nutrient
Whole grain bread	Dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates
oatmeal	Fiber, iron
Wholemeal pasta	Dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates
Quinoa	Fiber, protein

These whole grains can be a good alternative to refined carbohydrates because they are digested more slowly and may cause a smaller increase in blood sugar levels.

Proper hydration

Staying hydrated is important during pregnancy, especially if you have gestational diabetes. Water is the best choice, but you can also enjoy herbal teas or unsweetened beverages.

It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. If you feel thirsty, it is a sign that your body needs fluids. However, avoid excessive consumption of sugary drinks such as soda or sweetened juices as they can increase blood sugar levels.

By incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and adequate fluids into your diet, you can promote healthy eating for gestational diabetes. However, always talk to your doctor or dietitian to develop a personalized eating strategy that meets your specific needs.

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