Health & Life

“Diabetic Diet: Postpartum Edition”

Pregnancy can bring about a host of new experiences and challenges for expectant mothers, and one such challenge is gestational diabetes. It is a condition that affects many women during pregnancy, and it doesn't just disappear once the baby is born. This introduction aims to capture the attention of new mothers who are facing the reality of managing their health and well-being post-pregnancy. It is important to provide these mothers with valuable insights and practical advice on how to adapt their diets and manage their health effectively.

Administrator

24 July, 2024

For mothers with postpartum gestational diabetes, it’s important to pay attention to their diet. Bach Hoa XANH suggests a diet that provides sufficient energy and balanced nutrition to support the treatment of postpartum gestational diabetes.

1 Why Do Mothers with Postpartum Diabetes Need a Special Diet?

Gestational diabetes can disappear about six weeks after giving birth. However, if left uncontrolled, there is a high chance of developing gestational diabetes in subsequent pregnancies or progressing to type 2 diabetes. Additionally, mothers with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of postpartum depression compared to those without diabetes.

Mothers need to adjust their diet and exercise regularly to bring blood sugar levels back to a safe range. Nutrition is especially crucial, as it helps mothers control their blood sugar without the need for specific medications.

You can refer to Bach Hoa XANH’s suggestions on diet to help manage your blood sugar and stabilize your health.

Nutrition is crucial for managing postpartum diabetes

Treating postpartum diabetes often involves dietary restrictions, which may cause concern about the quality and quantity of breast milk. Therefore, mothers need to pay attention to balancing their diet to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

2 What Should Mothers with Postpartum Diabetes Eat?

New mothers tend to focus all their attention on their newborns and neglect their self-care. To overcome postpartum diabetes, mothers should include the following nutrient-rich foods in their daily diet:

Protein-rich Foods

According to the Center for Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine, protein is an essential nutrient for the body, especially for mothers with postpartum diabetes. It helps balance blood sugar levels. Include protein-rich foods such as chicken, duck, fish, shrimp, eggs, and dairy products in your diet. If you’ve had a C-section, it’s best to reduce your intake of red meat, seafood, and eggs.

Include protein-rich foods in your diet

Unsaturated Fats

Unsaturated fats play a crucial role in lowering blood sugar by improving insulin resistance and reducing toxins from free fatty acids in the body, according to the Center for Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine. Include foods such as salmon, tuna, avocado, olive oil, and nuts in your diet.

Include unsaturated fat sources in your diet

Low-sugar Foods

When consumed in moderation and in the right way, these foods release sugar into the bloodstream slowly and steadily. Include low-glycemic index foods such as green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, cabbage), and fruits (apples, berries, oranges).

Include low-sugar foods in your diet

3 Foods to Avoid for Mothers with Postpartum Diabetes

It’s essential to refrain from certain foods when treating postpartum diabetes. Mothers should avoid foods containing the following:

Limit Starchy Foods

Starchy foods tend to have a high glycemic index, which can significantly impact blood sugar levels. It’s best to limit your intake of white rice, bread, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Limit starchy foods

Minimize Sugar Intake

Sugary foods can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, especially processed and refined ones. Women with postpartum diabetes should avoid sugary foods and drinks such as candy, cake, ice cream, and sweetened beverages.

Minimize sugar intake

Avoid Hidden Sugars and Carbohydrates

Consuming foods with hidden sugars or carbohydrates can negatively impact a mother’s health, as they can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Avoid fast food (hamburgers, fries), sweetened yogurt, and fruit juices.

Avoid fast food and sugary snacks

4 Additional Dietary Notes for Mothers with Postpartum Diabetes

In addition to choosing the right foods and ensuring adequate nutrition, mothers with postpartum diabetes should keep the following in mind:

Each meal should consist of 33-40% carbohydrates, 35-40% fats, and 20% protein.
Divide three main meals into five to six smaller meals to reduce the burden on the stomach.
Avoid overeating, as it can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
Have a snack two hours after a main meal.
Don’t skip meals, and try to eat at regular intervals.

Balance your meals and nutrition

Additionally, women with postpartum gestational diabetes should pay attention to the following:

Share your feelings with family or a mental health professional to reduce stress and prevent postpartum depression.
Postpartum gestational diabetes does not affect the quality or safety of breast milk for your baby.
Maintain a positive and optimistic mindset.
Make time for self-care and indulge in hobbies like reading, watching movies, or listening to music.
Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels with your doctor.
Consider stress-relieving activities like yoga or meditation.

Engage in relaxing activities like meditation

Source: Center for Research and Application of Ethnic Medicine

Frequently asked questions

A diabetic diet is a way of eating that focuses on regulating blood sugar levels by controlling the intake of carbohydrates, sugars, and other nutrients. It is important for postpartum women with diabetes to follow a specific diabetic diet to help manage their blood sugar and ensure their body is healing and recovering optimally after childbirth. This can also help prevent long-term complications associated with diabetes.

A diabetic diet helps manage blood sugar by controlling the intake of carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose during digestion. By limiting simple carbohydrates and focusing on complex carbs, fiber, and lean proteins, the body can process glucose more efficiently, leading to stable blood sugar levels. This diet also helps improve insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for managing diabetes.

The key principles of a diabetic diet for postpartum women include: controlling carbohydrate intake, especially simple carbs and added sugars; increasing fiber intake from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; focusing on lean proteins; including healthy fats; and maintaining overall calorie control. It is also important to eat regularly timed meals and snacks to prevent blood sugar spikes and dips.

Yes, certain foods can be particularly beneficial for postpartum women with diabetes. Leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, and whole grains are all recommended. These foods provide essential nutrients, help regulate blood sugar, and promote healing and recovery.

Incorporating a diabetic diet into a daily routine involves planning meals and snacks ahead of time, reading food labels to check carbohydrate and sugar content, and controlling portion sizes. It’s also important to stay hydrated, be mindful of condiments and seasonings, and seek professional guidance from a dietitian or diabetes educator to ensure individual needs are met.