Will eating sugary foods during my pregnancy increase my risk for gestational diabetes?

[Shanaya Shah]

Hello, I am a 25 years old female. I am 18 weeks pregnant. My sister and my mother are diabetic. I am scared. I am exercising and eating a healthy diet. Should I stop sugary food? Will eating sugary foods during my pregnancy increase my risk for gestational diabetes?

[Isha Manwani]

@shanaya-shah Hello, No you shouldn’t stop eating sugar. Eating sugary foods will not increase your risk for gestational diabetes. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes it will be important to manage your carbohydrate intake to best manage your blood sugar levels. This would include managing your intake of sugary foods. Some of these foods, such as soda and juice, digest more quickly than other carbohydrate foods that have fiber and may spike blood sugar levels, especially if taken alone. Meet with a registered dietitian if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes so you can be sure that you are managing your diet appropriately.