Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes, which develops during pregnancy resulting in increased sugar level in the blood. Therefore, it is very necessary to treat gestational diabetes to have a healthy pregnancy. 

Gestational diabetes occurs when the hormones produced by the placenta interfere with the capability of the body to produce insulin and utilize it. Insulin balances the glucose level in the blood stream. 

It is therefore necessary for proper diabetes care because of the potential problems it could cause during the pregnancy. Excess glucose could lead to complications during the pregnancy. Normally, gestational diabetes shows no symptoms and is diagnosed through blood tests.

What causes gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes occurs due to hormonal changes and insulin resistance. Placenta produces hormones for growth of the baby during pregnancy but it interferes with the insulin regulation process. This results in insulin resistance. 

Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors

These factors could put someone at risk of developing gestational diabetes. 

- Family history

- Being overweight 

- Older age (35 years and above)

- Gestational diabetes in the past

Indian Diet Plan for Gestational Diabetes

1. Whole Grains: 

Whole grains are highly nutritious, rich in fiber, and take longer time to digest, which aids in preventing spikes in sugar levels within the body. It will provide steady energy to the body along with improved insulin response to balance the sugar in the body.

To Include: 

• Brown rice

• Quinoa

• Oats

• Multigrain atta roti

To Exclude: 

• White rice

• Maida products (naan, white bread, bakery items)

• Refined cereals

2. Fruits:

Fruits help to ensure essential vitamins and antioxidants within the body, so we should select fruits having lower Glycemic index to prevent spikes in sugar levels in the body.

To Include:

• Apple

• Guava

• Pear

• Orange

To Exclude:

• Mango

• Chikoo 

• Grapes

• Processed fruit juices

3. Vegetables:

Vegetables help us to improve our metabolic function within the body. They are rich in fiber content and have fewer carbs, which is beneficial in controlling sugar in the body.

To Include:

• Spinach (palak)

• Lauki

• Karela

• Broccoli

• Beas, cucumber, tori

To Exclude:

• Potato (in abundance)

• Deep-fried vegetables

• Gravies made from cream

4. Lean Proteins

Lean proteins tend to help stabilize the sugar levels in the body by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates in the body.

To Include

• Eggs

• Chicken (grilled/boiled)

• Paneer

• Dal, chana, rajma

To Avoid

• Fried chicken/fish

• Processed meats
  
  

5. Healthy Fats

These enhance insulin resistance and increase energy levels

To Include

• Olive oil

• Mustard oil

• Ghee (small amounts)

• Nuts (walnuts, almonds)

• Seeds (chia seed, pumpkin seeds)

To Avoid

• Rice oil and other refined oils

• Trans fatty acids
  

Management of gestational diabetes:

-Physical Activity: Engage in 30 mins of physical activity each day like walking or prenatal yoga. 

-Monitoring: Regular testing of blood glucose levels (Before and after every 3 main meals)

-Supportive measures: Visit a doctor/registered dietitian

Tips & tricks for gestational diabetes:

-Eat small frequent meals

-Complex carbohydrates over refined carbohydrates

-Adequate hydration

-Sufficient rest/sleep

Impacts of Gestational Diabetes

Impact on baby

-Larger birth weight ( Macrosomia)

-Babies born with gestational diabetes suffer from hypoglycemia postpartum.

-Delivery of preemies with respiratory issues

-Higher chances of type 2 diabetes and obesity in the future

Impact on Mother

- High blood sugar levels which may cause complications

-Increased chance of having to go for c-section or delivery with assistance

-Increased chance of having type 2 diabetes in the future

Complications:

- Preeclampsia: Blood pressure is high during pregnancy

- Premature labor: Higher chances of delivering prematurely

- Infection: More vulnerable to infections

Manage Complications :

By managing things appropriately and carefully, the chances of complications arising could be reduced considerably.

Preventing Gestational Diabetes:

Although gestational diabetes cannot be avoided altogether, some changes in one’s lifestyle might help to reduce its probability.

Conclusion: 

Gestational diabetes can be controlled easily by following basic yet important steps. Eat balanced meals consisting of whole-grain foods, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats.

Do not be too restrictive about your diet.

Frequent small meals and exercise along with regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can help regulate blood sugar levels.