Gestational diabetes is caused by high blood sugar developing during pregnancy, which your insulin levels cannot control. It currently effects as many as 18 in 100 women in England and Wales, and puts you at higher risk of type 2 diabetes in later life.
If you develop gestational diabetes your baby is more likely to be ‘big for its gestational age’ because of excess glucose (sugar) crossing the placenta. The sooner the condition is detected and controlled, the lower the effect is likely to be on your pregnancy and baby’s health.
The best protection against gestational diabetes is to follow the advice for blood sugar balance. This includes regular exercise and eating a healthy diet (and possibly medication, your maternity team will advise you on your individual needs).
There is a strong body of evidence to show that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet significantly reduces the chances of gestational diabetes and improves the chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby. This diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and polyunsaturated fats and low in saturated fats, refined grains, sugar and salt.
Diabetes UK also offer excellent advice on how to eat if you are at risk of developing or have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes.
Supplement with vitamin D
Vitamin D is used for insulin protection and supplementation has been shown to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby in women with gestational diabetes.
Increase your micronutrients intake
Vitamins B, C, D and K and the minerals zinc, chromium and magnesium all play vital roles in glucose management. Be sure to include foods from the micronutrients table that are good sources of these vitamins and minerals.
Take cinnamon
This amazing spice can control blood glucose levels in a similar way to metformin (a medicine that helps control blood sugar levels). You can take cinnamon as a supplement or add it to your food daily.
Information provided by specialist nutritional therapist: Rosie Letts Nutrition
Content Disclaimer
The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice, and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. New Life Classes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.
