Title:Diet Control in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Author(s): Piyaporn Sitkulanan*, Natthananporn Sanguanklin and Sirikhwan Pomjumpa
Affiliation:
- Department of Family Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing, Thammasat University, 99 Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani,Thailand
Keywords:
Diet control, pregnant women, gestational diabetes, food consumption, hyperglycemia, weight gain in pregnancy.
Abstract:
Background: The incidence of diabetes mellitus has significantly increased in the last two
decades. Gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM, is a complication that affects both pregnant women and
newborn babies. Pregnant women that are diagnosed with GDM are 7 times more likely to be diagnosed
with type II diabetes mellitus. In addition, infants born by GDM mothers are at higher risk of
developing diabetes mellitus in the future.
Objective: The study aims to review the literature on the diet control in pregnant women with gestational
diabetes mellitus.
Results: Controlling blood sugar within the normal range during pregnancy can decrease negative pregnancy
outcomes. However, most pregnant women with GDM cannot control their blood sugar within
the normal range because of a lack of knowledge and skill in selecting appropriate foods. They also often
experience inconsistency in their diet control behavior Most pregnant women worry about gaining too
much weight, and most pregnant women with GDM have to learn how to choose their food properly in
terms of both nutrients and quantity in order to control their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Conclusion: Diet control during pregnancy is one way to prevent the negative consequences of GDM
for both mothers and infants. The food proportion for pregnant women with gestational diabetes is
CHO: PRO: FAT = 50: 20:30 and also to consume an appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals
and water each day.