International Women's Day 2024: Know Diet Tips To Manage Gestational Diabetes

Try to avoid simple and refined carbohydrates such as potatoes, glucose water, candies, soda, white bread, white rice, etc.

Complex carbohydrates like whole grains and green leafy vegetables are ideal.

Carbohydrates should constitute 60–65% of total energy intake.

Include lean proteins such as fish, poultry, beans, lentils, and yoghurt.

Use vegetable oils like olive and peanut oil for fat intake.

Incorporate nuts, olives, and oilseeds while avoiding saturated fats.

Fat is essential for physiological functions and shouldn't be eliminated.

Ensure the diet is rich in calcium and iron to prevent osteomalacia and anaemia.

Iron is crucial for foetal development, and calcium is important for bone health.

Opt for small, frequent meals rather than three large ones.

Large meals can cause discomfort due to foetal overcrowding.

Split the menu into 6-7 small meals to reduce the glycemic load.

Choose whole fruits over fruit juices for a higher dietary fibre content.

Inputs By: Trisha Sarkar, Assistant professor of nutrition at Mahishadal Girls’ College, Vidyasagar University