According to statistics, 20% to 30% of expectant mothers will experience abnormal glucose metabolism during pregnancy. The incidence of gestational diabetes has risen from less than 1% in the past to the current 5%. With more and more "sugar moms," besides genetic factors, the dietary habits of pregnant women are also a major cause.
There are two situations for pregnant women to develop diabetes: one is having diabetes before pregnancy, and the other is diabetes that appears after pregnancy. Gestational diabetes refers to the latter, which mostly occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. The main causes of gestational diabetes include: a family history of diabetes, obesity, a history of stillbirth or neonatal death, a previous large baby (macrosomia), polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid), and maternal age over 30. Gestational diabetes not only affects the pregnant woman's hormone levels and metabolism but can also lead to abnormal fetal development. Therefore, "sugar moms" must have a reasonable diet to ensure the various nutrients needed for fetal development.
1. Control your food intake. "Sugar moms" generally eat more than normal pregnant women, so it is essential to limit rice, flour, and potato foods to about 250 grams per day. Do not eat foods high in sugar. Generally, about 30-35 kcal of heat are needed per kilogram of body weight per day. It is best to ask a hospital nutritionist to create a meal plan based on your individual situation.
2. Ensure adequate protein intake. The protein intake for "sugar moms" should not be less than that of normal pregnant women during pregnancy, and it should be slightly higher. It is especially important to eat more soy products to increase plant-based protein.
3. Fat intake should be moderate. As the intake of staple carbohydrate foods decreases, fat intake should be moderately increased to maintain daily caloric intake. "Sugar moms" can eat some nuts in moderation to increase their fat supply.
4. Supplement vitamins and minerals. Eat more vegetables to supplement vitamins; you can often eat foods high in iron and calcium, such as milk, fish, dried shrimp, and animal liver, to supplement minerals.
5. Appropriately limit salt intake. "Sugar moms" should eat a light diet. Under the principle of controlling total calories, the diet should be comprehensive, balanced, and regular, with small, frequent meals to allow for appropriate weight gain. The total calories should be calculated at 38 kcal per kilogram of ideal body weight per day. Carbohydrates should mainly come from grains and legumes, and attention should be paid to a mix of coarse and fine grains. Fruits should be eaten between meals, with a daily consumption of 200-400 grams being appropriate, and this should be included in the total calorie count. Fruits like strawberries and kiwis can be the first choice, while fruits like bananas, lychees, longans, and grapes are higher in calories and should not be eaten in excess. Disaccharides and monosaccharides such as sugar, honey, chocolate, and sweets should be avoided.
It is particularly important to note that even after delivery, when blood sugar returns to normal, "sugar moms" should continue to monitor their blood sugar, exercise more, and maintain a reasonable diet to truly no longer be a "sugar mom."