Gestational Diabetes?

[seattlemom2plus]

I am 36 years old so I am over the magic number in pregnancy of age 35.  Because of this, I was informed by my doctor I have a greater risk of acquiring gestational diabetes during my pregnancy.  My question is how or what can I do to prevent this?  What changes can I make in the food I eat to avoid this?  I don't have a history of diabetes on my side of the family and have never had an issue with this, but I do want to take whatever preventative measures I can to decrease my risk.  Appreciate anyone's help or experience.

[seattlemom2plus]

I bought ketone strips to test my ketone levels in between doctors visits.  It's pretty interesting seeing the levels be affected by not eating soon enough.  For the most part I have tested normal, but the one day where i held off eating till I got home from the grocery store, my levels were small 15mg.

I had no idea on this "Every 7 grams of sugar listed under carbohydrates equals one HEAPING Tablespoon of refined sugar." puts it into major perspective if you have a soda!  Those average about 30 mg I believe.

From what I am reading it seems like it is good to eat a healthy carb along with a protein.  What is frustrating though is I can't find many lists of food or ideas of combinations.  Especially when it comes to gestational diabetes prevention.

For example they say watch your fruit intake.... well how much is safe, how much is not?  How many servings a day should I consider ok to have?  Sorry for so many questions just learning as much as I can.

[WaveRider]

Good questions!

"Is it possible for vegetarians to follow a diabetic safe diet?"
Doesn't matter if one is a carnivore or vegan or carnivegan. One must not forget to test preprandial and postprandial to insure what they're eating doesn't elevate their glucose levels. Even though a food is thought to be safe down road it might not be. Test and test often. Also check the Glycemic Index or GI.

"Is the key really with the processed foods because of all the sugar combinations and chemicals?"
A rule of thumb [well, mine]; if you don't know the meaning of 2 ingredients on the label put it back, go home and find the meaning. There are hidden sugars disguised under weird names. Also, do not discount carb sugar. Every 7 grams of sugar listed under carbohydrates equals one HEAPING Tablespoon of refined sugar.

Unsure about the nutritional value of a food? A very good web source is nutrition dot data dot self. This site breaks down everything you need to know about a foods nutrition, including junky fast  foods.

[seattlemom2plus]

Is it possible for vegetarians to follow a diabetic safe diet?  Is the key really with the processed foods because of all the sugar combinations and chemicals?  I was trying to look into this last night and was only able to find some brief mentions, saying that legumes are safe because of the balance of carbs and proteins, but that was it. If anyone else has anything to add I would love to hear it.

[seattlemom2plus]

Thanks so much for the input, I just turned 36 literally a month ago and yes I am a bit baffled as to what one year makes in the medical fields mind, but I do realize there are of course risks with anything.  And not developing gestational diabetes is certainly a concern.  I do eat a lot legumes, brown rice, and vegetables.

And the bread I eat is wheat or whole wheat.  Try to stay away from the white flour.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

your risks aren't n ecessarily high just becuase you're 36.
Steps to take to prevent include:-
1. Make sure your weight is normal
2. Regular aerobic exercise.  At least 30 minutes of brisk walking a day would be an excellent start.
3. Avoid sugary and highly processed foods.  Focus your diet on minimally processed foods, whole grains, vegetables, healthy fats, some fruit etc.  A lower carb diet may also be beneficial if you were borderline.

Hope this helps.