### Managing Your Diet with Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy. It affects how your body uses sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels. Proper management is crucial for your health and your baby's health. #### Healthy Eating Tips 1. **Balanced Diet**: Focus on a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients. 2. **Carbohydrates**: Less than half of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates. Choose whole-grain and high-fiber carbs over refined sugars. 3. **Serving Sizes**: - **Grains, beans, and starchy vegetables**: Up to 6 servings per day. - **Other vegetables**: 3-5 servings per day. - **Fruits**: 2-4 servings per day. - **Dairy**: 4 servings per day. - **Protein**: 3-4 servings per day. 4. **Avoid**: Foods labeled as “fat-free” or “sugar-free” as they may still contain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols. 5. **Limit**: Intake of sugar and fats. #### Exercise Regular exercise can help manage your blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor for a suitable exercise plan. #### Medication If diet and exercise are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to help control your blood sugar levels. #### Monitoring After delivery, your blood sugar levels will usually return to normal, but you should continue to monitor them as having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future. #### Consult a Dietician A registered dietician can help you plan your meals and teach you how to count carbohydrates. If you have dietary restrictions, discuss them with your doctor. By following these guidelines, you can manage your gestational diabetes effectively and ensure a healthy pregnancy.