I am 19 weeks pregnant and developed gestational diabetes from the 13th week. The doctor put me on a controlled diet beginning with 1,700 kcal whereas I need at least 2,150 kcal at this stage. My sugar levels are now under control largely due to the diet. But I feel weak and tired. In fact I haven't put on weight since my 12th week. When I went back to the doctor I was put on another diet with 1,400 kcal and advised not to walk too much. The doctor told me that high sugar levels could be harmful to the baby. I am worried about the baby, considering the reduced intake of food and oscillating sugar levels. My sugar levels are never above 165 after one hour of food, hence are not high enough to warrant going on insulin. Please advise.
SC, via email

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose) - your body's main fuel. If you've had gestational diabetes, you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

As your baby grows, the placenta produces more and more insulin-blocking hormones. In gestational diabetes, the placental hormones provoke a rise in blood sugar to a level that can affect the growth and welfare of your baby.

It's essential to monitor and control your blood sugar to keep your baby healthy and avoid complications during your pregnancy and delivery.

Eating the right kind and quantity of food is one of the best ways to control your blood sugar. A healthy diet often focuses on fruit, vegetables and wholegrains - foods that are high in nutrition and fibre and low in fat and calories - and limits highly refined carbohydrates including sweets.

Your dietician must have created the meal plan based on your current weight, pregnancy weight gain goals, blood sugar level and exercise habits. With your doctor's consent, aim for moderately vigorous exercise. An expert would put you on insulin as and when required.

  • You may consume a mixture of amla* or Indian gooseberry (5g) and turmeric (3g) at bedtime either as a paste or in powder form mixed with water.
  • Use aged rice for cooking.
  • You may use ragi, millet, barley and wheat as alternatives to rice.
  • Intake of ayurvedic medicines like kathakakhadiradi kashayam* and amruthamehari churnam* on a medical prescription would be useful. Consult an ayurvedic doctor for a detailed diagnosis.

*Available at shops selling herbal products