Diet for gestational diabetes or pregnancy diabetes

When a woman is carrying a child, her pancreas is under more stress, which can lead to impaired carbohydrate metabolism - a condition known as gestational diabetes or pregnancy diabetes. It is therefore important to have a balanced diet to control blood sugar levels and minimize risks for both the mother and the fetus.

Diet for gestational diabetes in pregnant women

An insulin production disorder is most often detected around the 28th week of pregnancy. This disorder must be diagnosed and corrected as it can cause abnormalities in fetal development (fetal macrosomia). To prescribe an individual diet, the doctor relies on the results of the glucose tolerance test.

An appropriate diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for the health of the woman and the proper progression of the pregnancy. The dietary guidelines for gestational diabetes are based on the following principles:

• Fractionated diet: 3 main meals and 2 to 3 snacks per day;
• Nutrient ratio per day: proteins - 50%, fats - 35%, carbohydrates - 15%;
• Fluid intake: 1.5 to 2 liters of pure water per day;
• Exclusion of "simple" carbohydrates that are easy to digest;
• Limitation of dairy products in the first half of the day;
• Complete avoidance of sugar and honey;
• Caloric calculation: 35-40 kcal per 1 kg of the pregnant woman's body weight.
• Regular physical activity (30 minutes/day)

Recommended Products

The diet is based on allowed and excluded products. According to diet No. 9 with Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD) or glycogenosis, the following are allowed:

• Raw and cooked vegetables (except potatoes, carrots, and other starchy foods);
• Berries and sour fruits: strawberries, currants, blueberries, raspberries, apricots, peaches;
• Cereals (except semolina);
• Low-fat dairy products: cottage cheese, cheese;
• Rye bread;
• Lean meat (chicken, turkey, beef) - cooked without additional fat;
• Nuts (in limited quantities);
• Chicken eggs;
• Mushrooms;
• Green vegetables and legumes.

Excluded Foods

The following should be excluded from the diet:

• Processed meat products;
• Sugar, honey, jams;
• Baked goods and pasta made from white flour;
• Candies and pastries;
• Fruit juices;
• Potatoes;
• Processed products;
• Ice creams;
• Sweet fruits: bananas, persimmons, figs, melons, dates;
• Butter - to be limited as much as possible.

Fertility in case of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can affect a woman's reproductive health. High sugar levels disrupt hormonal balance and can make ovulation difficult. After giving birth under gestational diabetes, it is important to be regularly monitored by an endocrinologist and a gynecologist, especially when planning a new pregnancy. Controlling blood sugar levels before conception reduces the risk of complications and increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.

IVF and gestational diabetes

To prepare for in vitro fertilization (IVF), women with or prone to gestational diabetes undergo extensive testing. Blood sugar control is important at all stages of IVF, from ovulation stimulation to embryo transfer. A balanced diet and blood sugar monitoring help avoid complications and increase the chances of a positive outcome.

IVF with egg donation

If, for medical reasons, a woman cannot use her own eggs, IVF with gamete donation is possible. In the presence of gestational diabetes, increased monitoring and careful control of metabolic parameters are necessary. Consultation with an endocrinologist and a reproductive specialist is mandatory.

IVF with double donation

If it is necessary to use both eggs and sperm from donors, a double donation IVF is performed. Women with gestational diabetes must pay particular attention to the preparation phase: they must undergo an examination, stabilize their sugar levels, follow an individual diet, and adhere to medical recommendations.

Specialist Advice

To obtain an individual protocol and dietary recommendations in case of gestational diabetes, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist-obstetrician. At the "Natuvitro" clinic, you can make an appointment and benefit from consultations with specialists, including an endocrinologist and a nutritionist.