Healthy Diet For Pregnant Mother With Diabetes
By mdssite | October 12, 2009
Diabetes is the condition where a person suffers from higher levels of blood sugar. There are two major types of Diabetes- Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when a person’s pancreas is not able to produce insulin. On the other hand, Type 2 Diabetes is largely related to a person’s diet and lifestyle and is often acquired or developed in later life. However, there is another form of diabetes that is found in pregnant women. What is it and why should you be interested?
Why should pregnant women be aware of diabetes?
According to studies, pregnant women are at risk of developing a condition called gestational diabetes. During pregnancy, women can suffer from excessive glucose or sugar levels in their blood. Since this type of diabetes does not show obvious symptoms, it can go undetected until the 24th or 30th week of pregnancy. If you are pregnant and you have a family history of diabetes or if you’re overweight, it’s best to consult your doctor right away. If gestational diabetes is diagnosed early, a proper diet can be administered and precautionary measures can be taken to avoid serious complications.
Balanced Diet is the Key
A balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial, not only for the mother’s health but for her child as well. Aside from this, close monitoring of the mother’s blood sugar levels is crucial. Of course, a woman with gestational diabetes must be mindful of her daily calorie intake. A professional dietician or nutritionist can help you create a suitable diet plan to follow.
It is important to remember that pregnant women have different caloric needs than other people. Ideally, pregnant women need about 45% to 60% calories from carbohydrates, 15% to 25% protein and 20% to 30% fat. During the 2nd and 3rd months of pregnancy, a woman needs about 300 extra calories and an additional 10-12 grams of protein each day for her and her baby.
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The good news is, gestational diabetes is not a permanent condition. A pregnant woman can recover from this condition as soon as she gives birth to her child. Nevertheless, women who had been diagnosed with this condition should pay more attention to their eating and lifestyle since they are at a greater risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes at some point in their lifetime.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that about 20 to 50% of women with gestational diabetes may also develop Type 2 Diabetes in the next 5 to 10 years while the rest is also at risk of developing this condition at some point during their lifetime. In fact, 5 to 10% of women with gestational diabetes were also found to have Type 2 Diabetes.
These statistics prove the need for a change in our diet and lifestyle. Even after your pregnancy, you should still continue to uphold a healthier lifestyle. Aside from a balanced diet, experts advise the importance of a regular exercise regimen to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
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