Dietary needs for gestational diabetes

Women with gestational diabetes should eat vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and protein foods, just like everybody else.

Eliminating any of these food groups is not recommended, because you and your baby might not get all the nutrients you need.

However, it is advisable to avoid sugar-rich products (e.g., juice, soft drinks, cakes, ice cream, sugar added to your food like in coffee or milk) or to consume them only in small quantities.

To help stabilize your blood sugar level (blood glucose), it’s important to eat regularly (see Eating regularly).

The Food Guide Snapshot presented on page On the menu: variety, colours, and flavours can help guide you with meal preparation. Eating foods high in fibre and protein will also help you control your blood sugar.

For more information on gestational diabetes, see Gestational diabetes.