Patient's question:
Last week I had a follow-up blood sugar test, and my blood sugar was high. The doctor said it falls under a category of high-risk pregnancy. The doctor was surprised that I'm only 24 years old and young, yet my blood sugar is elevated. However, my ultrasound results also showed that the fetus is slightly smaller, but still within the normal range. The doctor advised me to pay attention to controlling my diet, but I also want the fetus to grow bigger. It's really a challenge for me as a soon-to-be mother. I'm overly worried as a, and I'm asking if anyone can provide me with a good solution. Thank you!First follow-up question: Why can't any doctors or experts answer this question for me? This is a very important issue. Please help me find a solution.
Doctor's answer:
Hello, gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that occurs or is first discovered during pregnancy, with 80% to 90% of pregnant women having no history of diabetes before pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs because hormones secreted after conception have a resisting effect on insulin in the periphery of human tissues. As the gestational age increases, especially between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy, this resistance reaches its peak. Therefore, doctors conduct screening tests for diabetes during this stage for pregnant women.Statistics show that the incidence of gestational diabetes has increased from 2% in 1996 to 4.6% in 2003, which may be related to factors such as excessive nutrition and improper diet among pregnant women.
Like other types of diabetes, dietary management is crucial for controlling gestational diabetes. However, during pregnancy, the mother not only needs nutrition for herself but also provides nutrients for the baby's growth and development. Therefore, the requirements for dietary management differ from those of other types of diabetes. The key to dietary management for women with gestational diabetes is to maintain a balanced diet that effectively controls blood sugar while ensuring a smooth pregnancy for both mother and baby.
The main nutrients in food include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and more. The ratio of the three major nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) in the diet of women with gestational diabetes is similar to that of other types of diabetes but also has some differences:
(1) Carbohydrates
① Still primarily sourced from grains, tubers, and legumes, with particularly high-fiber options like oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread being preferred.
② Water