Pregnancy and diabetes: What foods should you avoid with gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, can be quite challenging. Especially when it comes to food, it becomes even more tricky. During pregnancy, you have to be very careful about what you eat because your diet directly affects your baby.

Foods you should avoid during pregnancy to keep your diabetes under control.

High-sugar items like chocolates, candies, cakes, cookies, pastries, and ice cream should be completely avoided because when you consume these foods, your blood sugar levels spike rapidly. Your body then needs to produce more insulin, which makes it difficult to keep your blood sugar stable, and this can affect your baby's development.

1. High-sugar drinks like soda, fruit juices, tea, coffee, and energy drinks should also be avoided.
2. These drinks get absorbed into your blood much faster than normal or solid foods, leading to a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.
3. Foods made from refined flour like white bread, white pasta, and refined carbs like white rice and potatoes should be avoided as well.
4. These foods are low in fiber, so they digest quickly, causing your blood sugar levels to rise just as fast.
5. Processed foods like fast food, packaged chips, snacks, and frozen food items should be kept at a distance.
6. These foods not only raise your blood sugar levels but can also lead to rapid weight gain.
7. Alcohol should be strictly avoided during pregnancy as it is very harmful, and it can also cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.

So, make sure to eat with your health in mind, and if necessary, get a diet plan tailored to your needs.

source: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/437036/sdcn-healthyeating.pdf

              https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/dietary-recommendations-for-gestational-diabetes