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Gestational diabetes is a condition brought about by high blood
glucose levels that remain high during pregnancy. The health of the
fetus and mother as well as the development of the fetus can be
adversely affected by this form of diabetes. Although it seems as if
the pregnancy causes the diabetic response in some women there have
been studies done which show they may have been predisposed to diabetes
as they develop type 2 diabetes later on in life. A gestational
diabetes diet plan is critical to properly managing the affects of this
disease. Routine screening for gestational diabetes is
recommended during the second trimester for all pregnant women to help
limit the negative impacts it can have on mother and baby. If it is not
controlled it can lead to pregnancy-induced hypertension, premature
birth, large fetus size, congenital abnormalities, future obesity and
diabetes in the infant, and other birth complications. A
gestational diabetes diet requires dietary modifications that the
mother may not be used to but to control this form of diabetes it is
essential. This is accomplished through individually developed dietary
prescriptions based on metabolic nutrition and lifestyle requirements.
Basic changes include reduced intake of simple sugars such as white
table sugar and syrups. The simple sugars are replaced with more
complex carbohydrates with a balanced intake of nutrients, particularly
with the carbohydrates, during the day. To make starting this type of
gestational diabetes diet plan easier a registered dietician will use
exchange lists to make their clients meal planning easier.
Exchange lists were first developed for diabetic meal planning but they have
become a basic tool for almost all food guides and dietary
recommendations. Another system to control diabetes, carbohydrate
counting, has recently begun to see more widespread use. This system
allows the client to keep track of carbohydrate intake during the
course of the day. An overall gestational diabetes diet plan
takes into account the physical, psychosocial, and educational
requirements. For the woman with this form of diabetes reliance on her
health care providers to help manage her condition is vitally
important. Her registered dietician has the primary responsibility for
developing and teaching her the individualized dietary plan that will
work best for her. Nurses at her doctor's office and in the hospital
help reinforce these dietary needs and also are responsible for
teaching her how to effectively monitor blood glucose levels and
administer insulin if needed. By working together the pregnant woman
and her health care team can successfully manage and overcome the risks
posed by gestational diabetes. For more information about a gestational diabetes diet please visit the web site Diabetic Diet Plans by Clicking Here. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell
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