Carb Counting with Gestational Diabetes

Carb counting isn’t just used for women looking to lose weight but for pregnant women required to control their blood sugar through means of diet control to minimize risks to their growing babies.  Carbs can be a big culprit in fluctuating blood sugar levels seen in women with gestational diabetes, so the obvious action is typically to minimize carbohydrates.  While carbohydrates will raise blood sugar, it’s important to find a good middle ground to control sugar but get vital nutrients supplied by carbs sources such as fruits and breads/grains.

Key Points:

• Carb counting helps control blood sugar by making you aware of how much you are eating and how to spread out those calories throughout the day.
• Carb counting will bring you aware of how much protein, fat or carbohydrates you are eating.  The protein you eat, the lower your blood sugar will remain.
• You should test your blood sugar after each meal to get an idea of which carbohydrates spike your insulin.  Keeping  a food journal will help you cut out foods that aren’t healthy for you and your baby.

More Information About Gestational Diabetes
What Causes Gestational Diabetes? – Taking the 3 Hour Glucose Tolerance Test
Menu Ideas for Gestational Diabetes – Gestational Diabetes and the Complications in Labor