European University of Lefke Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nutrition and Dietetics academician Assist. Prof. Dr Tuba Günebak shared some important information about “Pregnancy Diabetics” and gave some statements about the importance of nutrition during the treatment of gestational diabetes (Pregnancy Diabetics).

Gestational diabetes occurs around the 24th week of pregnancy

Identifying the type of diabetes which occurs during the pregnancy as “gestational diabetes”, Günebak gave detailed information about gestational diabetes. Günebak said that, “The difference of gestational diabetes from known diabetes is that pregnancy diabetes can finally heal at the end of the pregnancy”. Günebak stated that some hormones (prolactin, progesterone, and cortisol) that help the fetus to hold onto the womb during the pregnancy can suppress the release of insulin, thereby reduced insulin releasing causes diabetes. Günebak said that, “This usually occurs around the 24th week of pregnancy. In every 7 of 100 pregnancies this situation is observed. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed by the oral glucose tolerance test and as long as it is noticed and taken under control the mother does not experience any difficulties. However, if not treated, it can lead to various complications. The most important part of treatment is nutrition therapy. The goal of nutritional therapy is to keep the blood sugar in balance by feeding the mother healthy and to protect the mother from the complications that may develop”

Günebak listed the risk groups of gestational diabetes

Günebak listed the risk groups of gestational diabetes as; those who had gestational diabetes in their previous pregnancy, insulin resistance or glucose intolerance before pregnancy, type 2 diabetes in their family, who have risky diabetes because amniotic fluid has decreased in previous pregnancy, who have gave birth to large babies (birth weight over 4 kg), who gained over 20 kg in previous or this pregnancy, who has fasting pre-prandial blood glucose  over 100 mg / dl, satiety blood glucose measurement over 140 mg / dl and women with a high initial gestational weight.

Günebak gave some nutritional suggestions for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner; these three main meals are very important. Do not skip any of them. Take care to have a nutrient from each food group on your plate every morning. At breakfast; milk or 1 small bowl of semi-oily or probiotic yogurt, pasteurized white cheese and / or eggs from the meat group, whole grain bread from the grain group and / or plain oatmeal, a well-washed vegetable from the vegetable-fruit group or shelled fruit.
• Be attentive to take nourishment in every 2/2.5 hours.
• Try to drink 1 cup of semi-skimmed milk in the morning between meals. Besides being a good source of calcium, it also helps regulate your blood sugar.
• Take control of the fruit portions. Fruit is not as innocent as you think. And remember that the carbohydrate in fruits can quickly boost your blood sugar. So, I do not neglect to consume milk or dairy products next to the fruit. Do not buy or consume canned fruit.
• When you wake up in the morning, you may notice that your blood sugar level is not normal due to changes in hormone levels during night sleep. Do not worry. All you need to do is to never skip breakfast and night refreshments.
• Be sure of that, no matter how much you crave for, simple sugary cakes, cookies are not for you at all.
• Include full-grain products (such as whole-grain breads, bulgur, black wheat, brown pasta), vegetables, legumes (such as green lentils, chickpeas), oil seeds (such as walnuts and raw almonds) in your daily diet. These nutrients are not only pulp but also good sources of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, antioxidants and some protective phytochemicals (herbal bioactive components).
• Do not consume artificial sweeteners.
• With consulting your doctor, follow your regular blood sugar every day and keep a record book.
• Gain the habit of reading label information. Do not be believe the fact that there is a “sugar-free” label, read the labels carefully.

Günebak stressed that a woman who has the diagnosis of gestational diabetes must start a nutrition therapy as soon as possible and she also pointed out everyone should pay attention to the fact that the person for whom the nutritional advice is to be taken should definitely be a nutritionist and dietician and graduated from a university from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. Günebak said that “Your dietician will plan and calculate the amount and type of carbohydrates you need to consume during the day,” and added that by doing so healthy period of pregnancy will be achieved.