Gestational diabetes and mithai season

erstanding the truth about sugar-free treats, portion control and balanced meals can help expectant mothers enjoy festivities while keeping blood glucose levels in check.

Celebrating the festive season while managing gestational diabetes can feel like walking on a tight rope. Traditional festivals are all about food, warmth, and boxes filled with colourful mithai. For pregnant women whose blood sugar levels need to be managed carefully, sugar-free products may seem like a great option. However, depending entirely on such artificial and natural sugar substitutes may not be the best approach. It is important to understand how these treats affect the body and make informed dietary choices.

One of the most common myths that pregnant women tend to have is that all sugar-free items mean calorie-free and carbohydrate-free too. Traditional Indian sweets often contain ingredients such as condensed milk, khoya, paneer, refined flour, and ghee. Even when white sugar is replaced with non-sugar sweeteners such as stevia or sugar alcohols such as erythritol, the other ingredients may still contribute substantial amounts of carbohydrates and saturated fat. Moreover, homemade “healthy” alternatives may contain jaggery, dates, or honey. Although these ingredients may contain some nutrients, they are still sources of sugar and can raise blood glucose levels.

Managing gestational diabetes during the festive season does not necessarily mean giving up every festive treat. By implementing portion control pregnant woman can enjoy the festival and attain their glucose targets. Rather than eating sweets on an empty stomach, consider whether a small portion can fit into your planned meal, taking into account your overall carbohydrate intake and blood glucose response. Eating balanced meals containing protein and fibre, such as paneer, lentils, eggs, and non-starchy vegetables, can help moderate the rise in blood glucose after meals. Choosing a small portion of one favourite sweet instead of sampling several varieties may also help manage carbohydrate intake. Remember that milk-based and nut-based sweets are not automatically lower in carbohydrates or calories; the ingredients and portion size matter.

Alongside portion control, regular blood glucose monitoring is important during the festive season. Celebrations can disrupt daily routines, leading to late lunches and dinners. Skipping or delaying meals to save room for festive desserts is not advisable, as it can disrupt your usual eating pattern and make blood glucose management more difficult.

It is also essential to pay attention to hidden ingredients in commercially packaged products labelled “sugar-free.” Some products contain sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, maltitol, and xylitol. Consuming large amounts can also cause digestive problems, including bloating,abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea, which may be particularly uncomfortable during pregnancy. Always check the nutrition label on the back of the product for the total amount of carbohydrates and not just the claim that the product contains no added sugar. Simple snacks such as roasted nuts or plain, unsweetened yoghurt flavoured with a little cardamom or saffron can be practical alternatives, depending on your individual meal plan.

Managing gestational diabetes during the festive season is about making informed, balanced choices rather than striving for perfection. Understanding that sugar-free treats are not necessarilyfree of carbohydrates or calories allows you to make better decision. With small, measured bites accompanied by balanced meals and regular monitoring, you will ensure your pregnancy safety without having to forgo all the excitement.

(The writer is a consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Bengaluru)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Dhivya Chandrasekar