How To Keep Your Blood Sugar Levels Normal Sickness

Carbohydrates are most directly related to blood glucose levels1. Maternal blood glucose during pregnancy influences the developing fetus’s ability to metabolize glucose, and may program its sensitivity or resistance to insulin later in life1,2.

In normal pregnancy, the placenta constantly delivers glucose from the mother to the fetus1. To make sure this is possible, women naturally have slightly higher blood glucose levels. However, it’s important that blood glucose levels still rise and fall, rather than staying permanently high (or too low). When blood glucose rises and falls normally, it promotes insulin sensitivity to glucose in the growing fetus2.

Too Much Carbohydrates1,2

• High blood glucose in early pregnancy is associated with higher risks to the baby, including miscarriages, as well as development of gestational diabetes in the mother.
• Reduced insulin sensitivity to glucose in the growing fetus
• In late pregnancy, high blood glucose is associated with more difficult birth and higher rates of c-section.
• Fetal overgrowth and increased birth weight associated with LGA babies
• Higher chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life

• STARCHY VEGETABLES are a source of complex carbohydrates (think corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes, squash, etc.) and fibres. This complex carbohydrates takes the longest for your body to digest, and therefore lead to a moderate (vs. intense) increase in blood glucose. Try starchy vegetables as the carbohydrate source at your meals in place of traditional grains.
• WHOLE GRAINS are another great source of complex carbohydrates and fibres. Whole grains essentially provide all components of whichever grain you choose – wheat, rice, quinoa, etc. as opposed to refined grains, which contain only certain parts of grains. Swap whole grains for refined grains where possible in cooking and baking!
• BEANS, LENTILS AND CHICKPEAS are a great source of both complex carbohydrates, fibre and plant-based proteins! Use them as a meat alternative and add them to batch recipes like soups, stews and casseroles.

1Cimalik C & Paauw JD. Pregnancy and Lactation. In: Mueller, CM, Kovacevich DS, McClave SA et al. editors. The A.S.P.E.N. Adult Nutrition Support Core Curriculum, 2nd Edition. United States: American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition; 2012. p. 331-47.

2Moore V, Davies M, Willson K, Worsley A, Robinson J. Dietary composition of pregnant women is related to size of the baby at birth. J Nutrition. 2004;134(7):1820–6.

3Moses RG, Luebcke M, Davis WS, Coleman KJ, Tapsell LC, Petocz P, et al. Effect of a low-glycemic-index diet during pregnancy on obstetric outcomes. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Oct;84(4):807–12.