When diabetes is mentioned, many emphasize dietary control and limiting sugar intake. Does this apply equally to gestational diabetes? Can mothers with gestational diabetes simply avoid sweet foods?In response, Dr. Wang Yunhui, Director of Obstetrics at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (Ask the Expert), stated during an interview with Public Health Network editors that gestational diabetes diets require a variety of nutrients. Simply avoiding certain foods or eating only specific items cannot provide comprehensive nutrition. A balanced, mixed diet is the scientific and correct approach.
Director Wang Yunhui outlines dietary principles for gestational diabetes
Many pregnant women with gestational diabetes worry that certain foods will raise blood sugar levels and dare not eat much. Director Wang Yunhui emphasized that the diet for gestational diabetes also requires a variety of nutrients. Mothers with gestational diabetes should eat four types of foods, including:
1. Grains and tubers, such as wheat, rice, and corn;
2. Meat, eggs, and dairy products, which provide animal fats and high-quality protein for pregnant women;
3. Vegetables and fruits, which supply vitamins and dietary fiber;
4. Fats, including animal fats found in animal foods and vegetable oils used for cooking. These four categories must be included in the dietary structure of all gestational diabetes patients throughout their pregnancy.
Regarding dietary pairing principles for gestational diabetes, Director Wang Yunhui explained to the editor of Public Health Network that there are three key principles:
1. Combine refined and whole grains. Each food type has different sugar and starch content: white rice and white flour have higher sugar content, while whole grains have lower sugar content.
2. Pair thick and thin foods, or dry and wet foods.Processed foods accelerate the conversion of ingested nutrients into glucose in the digestive tract, potentially causing rapid blood sugar spikes. For example, 25 grams of rice cooked as dry rice versus 25 grams as porridge will elicit different blood sugar responses: dry rice yields a lower response, while porridge causes a faster rise. Thus, balancing thick and thin textures is crucial.
3. For complementary foods, combine animal and plant-based sources, with vegetables and fruits being consumed in slightly larger quantities. This diverse food pairing ensures pregnant women receive comprehensive nutrition and provides the essential nutrients needed for fetal growth.
Expert Profile
Wang Yunhui: Chief Physician in Obstetrics at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University. With 30 years of clinical, teaching, and research experience in obstetrics and gynecology, she possesses solid, systematic professional knowledge and extensive practical expertise. Currently serves as Deputy Leader of the Gestational Diabetes Group at the Guangdong Perinatal Medicine Association.
Specialties: Diagnosis and treatment of various pregnancy complications including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, systemic lupus erythematosus, and gestational hypertension, as well as management of complex obstetric surgeries.
Video Link: Wang Yunhui: Dietary Management is Crucial for Gestational Diabetes
Feature Link: Wang Yunhui: Dietary Management is Crucial for Gestational Diabetes