A pregnancy diabetes meal plan is designed for women who have acquired gestational diabetes or diabetes during pregnancy. Formally known as gestational diabetes mellitus, or GDM, it is a type of diabetes that is acquired ONLY during pregnancy – and not prior to or after pregnancy. What happens in gestational diabetes is that the body does not product sufficient insulin or the cells are not able to use insulin in the proper way. Insulin is needed to release glucose from the blood and into the other cells of the body. Glucose is, of course, the main energy source of our bodies.

If you have gestational diabetes, a pregnancy diabetes meal plan can help you control your blood sugar levels and maintain it under a normal level. It can also help you give birth to a healthy child, especially when coupled with exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Here are a few guidelines that you can keep in mind for your diet.

Eat at least five times a day. You should eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, as well as at least two snacks in between the meals. You should not skip the meals or even the snacks. Before you sleep, you can eat a small snack to help control your sugar levels during the hours that you will be sleeping.

Eat fewer carbohydrates during breakfast. In the morning, insulin resistance is at its highest peak, so you should eat less food with carbohydrates. However, during the other meals and snacks, try to take a constant amount of carbohydrates. It would also be better to opt for complex carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, whole wheat bread, and other whole grain products.

Eat fibrous foods. Foods that are high in fiber can help control your appetite and aid you in digestion. Fiber is found in whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are especially high in fiber.

Since gestational diabetes should mainly focus on controlling your blood sugar levels, these three are the easiest, quickest, and simplest ways that can guide you in your pregnancy diabetes meal plan.