What Are the Ideal Staple Foods for Gestational Diabetes?

Update Date: 2024-05-17 Source: Network

Many women may develop gestational diabetes due to elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It is important to pay attention to diet during gestational diabetes, as the choice of food directly affects blood sugar levels. Excessive blood sugar can have a direct impact on the fetus. Therefore, patients with gestational diabetes must strictly control their food intake, including the selection of staple foods. So, what staple foods are suitable for women with gestational diabetes?

1. Old Millet

Old millet is a nutrient-rich food. It contains 75.1 grams of carbohydrates, 90 grams of protein, 3.1 grams of fat, 41 milligrams of calcium, 229 milligrams of phosphorus, and 4.7 to 7.8 milligrams of iron per 100 grams. Additionally, it is rich in magnesium, zinc, selenium, and other essential nutrients. Millet is also considered a high-potassium food. All these nutrients contribute to lowering blood sugar levels and have a diuretic and antihypertensive effect.

2. Choose More Whole Grains

Taking bread as an example, the glycemic index (GI) of white bread is 70, but the GI of bread mixed with 75-80% barley grains is only 34. Therefore, it is recommended to replace refined white bread with bread made from whole-grain flour with broken grains.

3. Increase Intake of Dietary Fiber

Within the recommended portion size, it is advisable to consume high-fiber foods such as brown rice or mixed grains instead of white rice, increase the intake of vegetables, and eat fresh fruits instead of drinking fruit juices. This can help delay the rise of blood sugar, aid in blood sugar control, and provide a sense of fullness. However, it is crucial not to consume fruits in unlimited quantities.

4. Increase Protein in Staple Foods

Increasing protein in staple foods can effectively lower the GI. For example, the GI of regular wheat noodles is 81.6, while the GI of protein-fortified Italian thin noodles is 37. Dumplings are a good low-GI food option as they contain a large amount of protein and fiber.

5. Food Taboos

Avoid high-sugar foods such as candies and sweet treats. Reduce fat intake by limiting animal fats and keeping daily cooking oil below 20 grams. Avoid greasy and high-fat foods such as fried foods, melon seeds, and peanuts. Also, avoid foods with high cholesterol content, such as animal organs.