Risks Of A High Sugar Diet During Pregnancy

Nutritional advice is often strongly recommended to improve the diet of women during pregnancy, and thus prevent possible future complications.

A diet high in sugar can cause health complications for  any individual, but especially during pregnancy. In addition, these complications can be much more serious and increase the risk of developing future diseases.

Pregnancy is a time of many changes. The body is preparing to welcome new life and this includes transformations throughout the body.

What Happens During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a vitally important stage  during which various processes of growth, metabolic adaptation and preparation for ectopic life take place.

It is a situation which  involves changes in the concentration of glucose  and plasma lipids of the mother, as well as upheavals in the hormonal concentration. As is the case with insulin. The levels of resistance to this hormone also vary among women.

This situation  occurs in order to supply glucose to the brain of the mother and the fetus. It also helps direct glucose to the mammary gland and reduces its use by other organs.

Pregnancy and sugar metabolism

In some women,  impaired carbohydrate metabolism develops during pregnancy. This deterioration is characterized by high fasting blood sugar levels above normal values.

When fasting glucose and insulin levels are normal or even reduced, after consumption of carbohydrates blood sugar levels exceed normal values. These changes are most pronounced during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Moreover, as we have pointed out,  some insulin resistance appears during pregnancy. As a result, the body sometimes needs more of this hormone in order to metabolize glucose from food. When insulin is insufficient or the body cannot use it, glucose builds up in the blood.

If the regulation of glucose is not physiologically correct during pregnancy,  it can lead to changes that seriously affect the development of the fetus,  most of the time. In addition, it can predispose the child to develop diabetes as an adult.

High Sugar Diet and Diabetes During Pregnancy

In addition to what we just mentioned, the expectant mother may have a diet high in sugar. This has a greater impact on the situation. This can therefore lead to what is called  gestational diabetes,  which begins or is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy.

This is usually a transient condition in which  the pregnant woman is unable to produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. This generates a high level of glucose in the blood.

Gestational diabetes: what are the consequences?

Pregnant women with this disorder are at higher risk. Here are a few:

• Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
• Diseases associated with diabetes
• Cesarean births

On the other hand, several studies show that 50% of patients with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years.

What is the recommended diet during pregnancy?

The first thing to take into account is that  diet is essential to prevent gestational diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, a healthy diet during pregnancy should contain an adequate amount of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals.

To achieve this, the consumption of the following foods should not be missing:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Green vegetables
• Lean red meats
• Fish
• Legumes
• Dried fruits
• Whole grains

In the case of diabetes, it should be remembered that  the treatment consists of monitoring the level of sugar in the blood daily,  added to a healthy diet and physical activity. If the blood sugar is too high, the doctor will prescribe the necessary medication.

A diet high in sugar is not recommended during pregnancy

Consultations with a nutritionist are a strategy  often used to improve the diet of pregnant women and prevent possible future complications.

The support focuses mainly on the following elements:

• Improve the quality of the mother’s diet  by taking into account the quantity of food consumed.
• Promote adequate weight gain  through a sufficient and balanced diet.

Finally, the advice of the doctor and the nutritionist on the importance of a healthy diet low in sugar is essential for pregnant women. Daily physical activity during pregnancy is also essential.