
26 Jul What does a dietitian do for gestational diabetes?
Up to 10% of all women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Though it’s relatively common, it can be scary for parents-to-be. It also requires a significant amount of nutrition education to modify your pregnancy diet so you can control blood sugar levels.
By working with an experienced dietitian nutritionist, you can get the care you need, ensure you’re getting the portions and nutrients you need, and manage your gestational diabetes with a healthy eating plan.
Here are some of the ways we can help you. We will:
- Conduct a thorough assessment of your medical history, nutritional habits, and lifestyle factors.
- Create a personalized meal plan based on your blood sugar levels, food preferences, and cultural dietary practices.
- Educate you on how to balance carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and how to monitor blood glucose levels.
- Teach you how to make healthy food choices, such as selecting nutrient-dense foods and avoiding processed and high-sugar foods.
- Provide guidance on appropriate portion sizes and meal timing.
- Work with you to develop strategies for managing cravings and hunger.
- Provide ongoing support and encouragement to help you maintain healthy eating habits.
- Collaborate with your healthcare team, such as your obstetrician, endocrinologist, and diabetes educator, to ensure coordinated care.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the meal plan and make necessary adjustments based on changes in your blood glucose levels and overall health status.
According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women with gestational diabetes who received nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian had a lower risk of delivering a large-for-gestational-age baby and a lower rate of cesarean delivery compared to those who did not receive nutrition therapy.
Receive individualized support and guidance from an RDN to make healthy food choices and manage your condition.
And you won’t go hungry! Here are some of our healthy homemade snack ideas that can be suitable for someone with gestational diabetes:
- Apple slices with almond butter
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Greek yogurt with berries
- Raw veggies (carrots, celery, cucumber) with yogurt dip
- Cottage cheese with chopped fruit
- Roasted chickpeas
- Mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- Cheese and whole-grain crackers
- Mini quiches made with spinach, egg, and feta cheese
- Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, and unsweetened dried fruit
These snack options are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep hunger at bay. It’s important to note that individualized nutrition needs can vary based on each person’s unique medical and nutritional requirements. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan that suits your individual needs and preferences.