Diabetes

• Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels become too high because the body is not making enough insulin or the insulin is not working properly. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that converts blood sugar into energy for the body. The foods we eat, specifically carbohydrates, are turned into sugar or glucose in the blood and insulin converts that blood sugar into energy for the cells. If the body is bombarded with too much sugar or not enough insulin is being produced, this sugar stays in the bloodstream causing blood sugar levels to get too high.
  
  There are three types of diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and may be controlled with diet and pills. Type 1 is less common and normally develops during childhood and requires regular insulin shots. Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy and is thought to develop because of the increased levels of pregnancy hormones, which may interfere with the ability of insulin to manage glucose levels thus creating insulin resistance. Typically blood glucose levels return to normal after pregnancy although gestational diabetes may predispose the woman to developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
  
  

Healthy Diet

• Carbohydrates have the greatest impact on blood sugar levels since they are converted to glucose once consumed. There are two types of carbohydrates: complex and simple. Simple carbohydrates release sugars more quickly into the body whereas complex carbohydrates produce a sustained energy level. Carbohydrates consist of sugary and starchy foods such as breads, pastas, potatoes, rice, grains, bakery items and fruits.
  
  During pregnancy it is important to eat a well-balanced whole food diet to obtain optimal health. If you have diabetes, the same type of diet should be followed except you need to watch more closely how many carbs and what types of carbs you consume. Eating carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats helps to control the amount of sugars released into the body, maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.
  
  A healthy diabetic diet should consist of eating three meals and two to three snacks at regular times daily to maintain a steady level of blood sugar. Eat fewer carbohydrates and more protein at breakfast. Have a snack before bedtime to keep the blood sugar from dropping too much overnight. Eat plenty of high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains to stabilize blood sugar levels. Get approximately 60 grams of protein each day. Eat one to two servings of foods high in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, tomatoes, berries and melons, as well as three servings daily of iron-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs and leafy green vegetables. Have one to two servings of foods high in folic acid daily, including dark green leafy vegetables, veal, liver, legumes and fruits. Drink 64 ounces (8 cups) of fluid daily such as filtered water or decaffeinated teas.
  
  

What to Avoid

• Certain foods are not healthy during pregnancy and should be avoided since they can increase blood sugar levels. Cut out sugary foods and snacks, beverages containing sugar as well as sugar substitutes. Avoid caffeine or limit the amount each day to no more than 300 mg or one to two cups of coffee. Do not drink alcohol. Never skip meals and do not diet or attempt to lose weight when pregnant.