What should pregnant women with diabetes eat?

Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
Updated on April 25, 2025
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If a pregnant woman has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy, it is still necessary to decide what food to eat based on the specific blood sugar levels. If the current blood sugar level is relatively stable, she can follow a diabetic diet, eat smaller meals more frequently, and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables. It's important to avoid foods that cause high blood sugar, and it is essential to walk or engage in appropriate exercise 30 minutes after eating to help metabolize the blood sugar. However, if the blood sugar remains high and does not decrease significantly, insulin might be needed to lower the blood sugar levels.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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Diabetes dietary taboo fruits

Many patients have a misconception after being diagnosed with diabetes; they think that fruits are sweet and they should avoid all fruits. This statement is half right—fruits are indeed sweet, but not all fruits are off-limits. Diabetes patients can still consume fruits, provided that they pay attention to the quantity and type of fruit they eat. First, let’s discuss the fruits that should not be eaten by diabetic patients, which are those high in simple sugars. Consuming these fruits can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Examples include dates, whether dry or fresh, longans, whether dry or fresh, lychees, whether dry or fresh, and bananas, which all have very high sugar content. These fruits are not recommended for diabetic patients; on the other hand, fruits like kiwis, cherries, kumquats, and grapefruits are generally suggested as suitable for diabetic patients.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What to eat for diabetic foot

For patients with diabetic foot ulcers, first, their diet should control blood sugar. Foods with a high glycemic index like porridge, glutinous rice, and rice noodle rolls should be avoided. Additionally, sweet foods are also off-limits; it's important for meals to be regular and measured. Second, as patients with diabetic foot ulcers need nutrients for wound healing, they can eat foods high in protein such as eggs, fish, fish soup, and lean meats to promote wound healing. Third, if the patient also has high blood lipids, it's advisable to maintain a light diet and avoid greasy foods.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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How is type 2 diabetes treated?

The treatment of type 2 diabetes includes the following aspects. First, dietary treatment is recommended, advising regular and quantitative meals three times a day, and avoiding late-night snacks and extra meals. Second, appropriate exercise. Third, self-monitoring of blood glucose; it is best to purchase a glucometer for home use and show the recorded blood glucose levels to the doctor during hospital visits. Fourth, diabetes education. Fifth, medication treatment, which includes oral medications and insulin therapy. It's important to visit an endocrinology specialist promptly to determine the most suitable medication under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong
Endocrinology
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How long does prediabetes take to turn into diabetes?

How long it takes for prediabetes to progress into diabetes varies, with no definitive answer, as it differs from person to person. Whether prediabetes will develop into diabetes largely depends on blood sugar control. Clinical experience shows that some individuals never progress to diabetes after adjusting their diet and exercise routines. However, if a patient does not take their condition seriously and fails to change their lifestyle, it might take as little as 2-3 years or as long as 5-10 years to develop into diabetes. Therefore, it is crucial to manage lifestyle promptly upon prediabetes diagnosis, paying attention to blood sugar monitoring and pancreatic function tests.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
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Does type 2 diabetes have a genetic component?

Diabetes has a high prevalence worldwide, especially type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of all cases. The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes is very complex, including genetic susceptibility, as well as environmental factors, insulin resistance, and defects in the function of pancreatic beta cells. Thus, environmental factors are one of the influencing factors in the incidence of type 2 diabetes. There is evidence showing a familial clustering tendency among patients, but genetic factors are not the sole cause of type 2 diabetes; environmental factors also play a role. With changes in diet and lifestyle in recent years, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has noticeably increased. Even with similar genetic backgrounds, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes varies among populations living in different areas. Therefore, diabetes can be considered a complex disease, where individuals with a genetic predisposition to diabetes, under the influence of adverse environmental conditions, can also develop elevated blood sugar levels and consequently diabetes.