More Dietary Recommendations

When a product says it's "sugar-free," take a closer look

Products are often labeled "sugar-free," but may still contain significant amounts of carbohydrate.

Look at the food label to see the grams of carbohydrate it contains

Use artificial sweeteners instead of regular sugar

The following sweeteners have been approved as safe to eat during pregnancy: Aspartame, which includes Equal NutraSweet, Natra Taste Acesulfame K, which includes Sunett Sucralose, which includes Splenda

Stay away from added sugarsAdding sugar, honey or syrup to your foods will increase the total amount of carbohydrate

Avoid fruit juiceIt takes several fruits to make a glass of juice. Juice is a concentrated source of carbohydrate. Because it is liquid, juice can raise blood sugar quickly.

Limit sweets and dessertsCakes, cookies, candies and pastries contain large amounts of carbohydrate and fatAlso, avoid regular sodas and sugar-sweetened beverages.

You are in control of your diabetes! Healthy mom, healthy baby!

ANA LUISA DE CASTROMS in Nutritional Sciences StudentNUTR 510Professor Rupp

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES

By Ana Luisa de Castro

For more information, visit: eatright.com and www.diabetes.org

Gestational DiabetesIt usually appears in the second half of pregnancy and goes away as soon as the baby is born. However, if not treated, you and your baby may have complications such as breathing problems, large birth weight, and higher changes for developing diabetes later in life.

The first step is to modify your diet to help keep your blood sugar level in the normal range.

Most women with well-controlled blood sugar deliver healthy babies without any complications.

Keep your blood sugar under control: Watch the amount of carbohydrates you eat. Carbohydrate foods turn into glucose (sugar). Glucose is the energy for your body and nourishment your baby receives from you. However, it's important that glucose levels stay within a range.

Carbohydrates in FoodCarbohydrates are found in the following foods:

Breads, crackers, and cereals Pasta, rice, and grains Starchy vegetables, such as

potatoes, corn, and peas Beans and legumes Milk, soy milk, and yogurt Fruits and fruit juices Sweets, such as cakes, cookies,

ice cream, jam, syrups and honey

Dietary RecommendationsThe following dietary recommendations will help you maintain safe blood sugar levels:

Distribute your foods between 3 meals and 2 or 3 snacks each day

Eating too much at one time can cause your blood sugar to increase too much.It is very important that you do not skip meals.

Eat reasonable portions of starchy vegetables

Starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn and peas turn into glucose so it is important to limit it.A reasonable portion is about one cup of starchy vegetable per meal.

Drink one cup of milk at a timeMilk is a healthy food and an important source of calcium. However, drinking too much at one time can raise your blood sugar.

Limit fruit portionsFruit is a healthy food, but it is high in natural sugars. You may eat one to three portions of fruit per day - one at a time.A portion of fruit is either: One small piece of fruit Half of a large piece of fruit, or About one-half cup of mixed fruitAvoid fruit that has been canned in syrup.