Doctor Pham Do Uyen, a specialist from Nutrihome Nutrition Center, notes that gestational diabetes is a common metabolic disorder affecting many pregnant women. The condition typically manifests from the sixth month of pregnancy, specifically between the 24th and 28th week. This occurs because the placenta, while supporting fetal development, secretes hormones that diminish insulin's effectiveness, leading to insulin resistance in the mother.

Gestational diabetes often progresses silently with few obvious symptoms in its early stages. However, pregnant women may notice warning signs such as constant thirst despite sufficient water intake, more frequent urination, particularly at night, blurred vision, and persistent fatigue.

Doctor Uyen encourages pregnant women to prioritize the following foods in their diet:

Low glycemic index carbohydrates

Replacing refined carbohydrates such as white rice and white bread with options like brown rice, oats, boiled sweet potatoes, or brown rice vermicelli can help slow sugar absorption into the bloodstream. These foods also contribute to maintaining stable energy levels.

Lean protein

Protein provides essential nutrients for fetal organ development. Pregnant mothers should choose lean meat, skinless poultry, freshwater fish, salmon, eggs, tofu, and nutritious nuts.

Green vegetables and fiber-rich foods

Broccoli, Malabar spinach, cucumber, and various beans provide significant amounts of fiber. This helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, limiting post-meal blood sugar spikes. Pregnant mothers should consume vegetables before protein and carbohydrates.

Healthy fats

Incorporating unsaturated fats from olive oil, avocado, walnuts, and almonds helps prolong satiety and stabilize blood sugar. These nutrients also support maternal heart health and healthy brain development for the baby.

Pregnant mothers should consume sufficient nutrients, prioritizing low glycemic index foods. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Fresh milk and dairy products

Pregnant mothers should opt for unsweetened pasteurized milk, unsweetened nut milk, or low-sugar yogurt. These choices provide calcium and protein without raising blood sugar levels.

Low-sugar fruits

Prioritize fruits such as guava, apple, dragon fruit, strawberry, and grapefruit to safely supplement fiber and vitamins. Conversely, limit very sweet fruits like longan, lychee, durian, or ripe mango to prevent sudden blood sugar spikes.

Doctor Uyen advises pregnant mothers to minimize fast-absorbing sugars. These cause sudden blood sugar increases, placing considerable stress on the pancreas. Foods rich in refined sugars, including pastries, candies, soft drinks, ice cream, sweet desserts (che), jams, and processed starches, should be reduced in the daily diet.

Beyond food selection, eating methods are crucial for maintaining safe blood sugar levels. Pregnant mothers should divide their intake into three main meals and two-three snacks daily. This approach prevents significant blood sugar spikes after meals or drops when meals are too far apart.

During each meal, prioritize consuming green vegetables first, followed by protein, and then carbohydrates. This sequence helps reduce the rate of sugar absorption. Additionally, drinking 2-2,5 liters of water daily and engaging in light exercise, such as a 15-20 minute walk after meals, supports better energy metabolism.

Pregnant women should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels as advised by a specialist doctor. This allows for timely dietary adjustments to suit each stage of pregnancy.

Bui Duc