News & Blog

Carbohydrates raise blood sugars, so a diet for gestational diabetes (GDM) should just be lower in carbs, right? It’s definitely a good start, but reducing carbs shouldn’t be the only focus of a GDM diet. 

It’s no surprise that research supports the idea that diet quality makes a difference. You are what you eat, after all, and we know that what you eat during pregnancy has a large impact on the health of the baby. Not only does better diet quality improve brain development in toddlers¹, but new research shows that a nutrient-rich diet is associated with lower fat mass in early childhood².

In both of these studies, four main foods were considered essential to a high-quality diet, so let’s discuss which foods are the most important part of a diet built for gestational diabetes.

Vegetables

Of course, vegetables are a component of pretty much any diet proven to be beneficial—including during pregnancy. Consuming non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens can help increase folate, fiber, and antioxidant intake, and may contribute to better blood sugars and reduced inflammation.³

Aiming to fill ½ of the plate with non-starchy vegetables can help balance overall nutrient intake while managing glucose levels. Check out our recipe for a tasty, low-carb cauliflower rice bowl packed with veggies.

Fruit

While fruit contains natural sugar (fructose) which can raise blood sugar, it can still be part of a nourishing snack or meal. Fruits like berries and citrus can be packed with soluble fiber, immune-boosting vitamin C, and folate for the prevention of neural tube defects.

Choose whole fruit rather than juice to minimize the impact on blood sugar. You should also pair fruit with a lean protein like cottage cheese, string cheese, or Greek yogurt to reduce post-meal spikes. 

Fish

The next food included in high-quality diets is fish, an excellent source of monounsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 intake is associated with better health for mom and baby and can even protect from preterm labor.⁴

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends eating at least 2 servings of fish or shellfish every week during pregnancy. To protect the baby’s brain and nervous system, avoid high-mercury fish like bigeye tuna, king mackerel, swordfish, or tilefish. Additionally, albacore tuna should be limited to 6 oz per week. Safe fish include sardine, salmon, trout, herring, and light canned tuna.

Whole Grains

The final food found in nutrient-rich diets is whole grains. Whole grains are a source of dietary fiber, which is vital for good digestion, satiety, and optimal blood sugar management. 

When different types of fiber were compared in women with GDM, it was found that insoluble fiber—found in whole grains like whole wheat pasta, whole grain bread, and brown rice—helped to reduce fasting glucose levels.⁵  Aim for ¼ of your plate to have a whole grain.

--

Ready to make nutrition simpler for your GDM patients? Our platform combines access to real-time data and support from our dietitians and CDCESs. We can help you streamline your GDM care, offer medical nutrition therapy, and provide practical tools to help expectant mothers confidently manage gestational diabetes — starting with a high-quality diet.

Learn how our GDM solution can help your care team deliver better outcomes.

References

‍

1. Saros L, Lind A, Setänen S, et al. Maternal obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus, and diet in association with neurodevelopment of 2-year-old children. Pediatr Res. 2023;94(1):280-289. doi:10.1038/s41390-022-02455-4
2. Saros L, Vahlberg T, Koivuniemi E, et al. Maternal diet and gestational diabetes mellitus modestly influence children's growth during their first 24 months. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. Published online June 9, 2025. doi:10.1002/jpn3.70098
3. Jaworsky K, DeVillez P, Alexander JM, Basu A. Effects of an Eating Pattern Including Colorful Fruits and Vegetables on Management of Gestational Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2023;15(16):3624. Published 2023 Aug 18. doi:10.3390/nu15163624
4. Baker EJ, Calder PC, Kermack AJ, et al. Omega-3 LC-PUFA consumption is now recommended for women of childbearing age and during pregnancy to protect against preterm and early preterm birth: implementing this recommendation in a sustainable manner. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1502866. Published 2024 Nov 29. doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1502866
5. Sun J, Wang J, Ma W, Miao M, Sun G. Effects of Additional Dietary Fiber Supplements on Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies. Nutrients. 2022;14(21):4626. Published 2022 Nov 2. doi:10.3390/nu14214626

‍