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Holistic Approach to Managing Gestational Diabetes: A Comprehensive Nutritional Strategy for Healthier Pregnancy Outcomes by Deepika Chalasani, Top Nutritionist in Hyderabad

CASE STUDY & SUCCESS STORIES


Name: Fariza

Age:32years

Location:USA


Case History:

Fariza, a 32-year-old homemaker, was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago. At the start of her pregnancy, her HbA1c was 7.2 indicating a need for careful blood sugar monitoring and insulin management to ensure below 95 mg/dL fasting and under 120 mg/dL post-prandial through the pregnancy to ensure safety and health to the baby. This is also as per medical history norms. The other goals were to help her eat healthily, enjoy her food, also take care of her cravings without significant weight gain, as her BMI was already 31.24, and to support her baby's growth within the recommended range from her healthcare provider all while aiming to use minimal insulin, as higher insulin doses can often increase appetite.

Further haematuria (blood in urine) and low haemoglobin, pointing to potential kidney stress or infection, and anaemia. Anaemia, commonly associated with chronic conditions like diabetes, could reduce oxygen supply and impact her overall health and energy levels.


Approach by the best nutritionist, and dietician in Hyderabad, Telangana, India Deepika Chalasani:

After thoroughly assessing Fariza's diet and her physiological condition, we adjusted her eating patterns to better support her health, her taste palate and pregnancy outcome. Key additions included dietary fibre, high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential fats; we initially started with a daily intake of 171g of carbohydrates, 70g of proteins, and 75g of fats, totalling 1757 kcal per day. Recognizing the importance of controlling blood sugar levels in managing diabetes, we gradually modified the diet to 117g of carbohydrates, 75g of proteins, and 60g of fats per day. This adjustment reduced total daily calories to 1415 kcal, aiming to improve insulin sensitivity and better regulate blood glucose levels.


We advised Farizato to start her day with 1–2 glasses of water and educated her on the crucial role hydration plays in managing physiological hunger appropriately as most times people confuse hunger pangs and the body's need for water. Proper hydration helps regulate hunger levels which further regulate the blood glucose levels,to further support her condition, we incorporated quality protein sources such as eggs and egg whites, aged cheese, chickpeas (chole), black-eyed peas (lobia), green moong beans, tofu,free range chicken,and wild caught fish and good quality protein powder. These proteins are essential for blood sugar stability, as they help slow glucose absorption, reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes, and promote satiety, reducing the likelihood of overeating and aiding in overall weight and blood sugar management.


To further support Fariza’s health goals and body’s requirements, we incorporated complex carbohydrates from nutrient-dense sources such as buckwheat, quinoa, pearl millet, ragi, bajra, Kodo millet, brown rice, red rice, and steel-cut oats, served in versatile dishes like pulao, dosa, poha, and upma. These specific choices were selected for their low glycaemic index, meaning they digest more gradually, which helps prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar. This slower digestion rate allows for better blood sugar control throughout the day, crucial for managing diabetes, and promotes sustained energy while reducing cravings.


To increase Fariza’s fiber intake and essential probiotics, we incorporated low glycaemic fruits and vegetables into her daily diet, adding them in forms such as salads, sautéed vegetables, or stir-fries. Including these fibre-rich foods helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing glucose absorption and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management and curb overeating. We also recommended adding extra vegetables to dishes like pasta, poha, and upma to further boost fibre content. Additionally, we included hung curd and a glass of homemade buttermilk before lunch and kefir at bedtime to provide probiotics. These additions not only enhance satiety, helping to control appetite, but also support gut health, which plays a vital role in overall metabolic function and inflammation management in diabetes.


To incorporate healthy fats into Fariza’s diet, we added foods like avocados, date seed cubes, aged cheese and recommended olive oil for cooking. Healthy fats are essential in managing diabetes as they help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote satiety, preventing overeating. These fats also provide steady energy without causing spikes in blood sugar, supporting stable glucose levels throughout the day.


To address her cravings, her favourite foods—such as pasta, noodles, burgers, dosas, sandwiches, and biryanis—were thoughtfully incorporated into her meal plan. Timing of meals, along with periods of feasting and fasting, was carefully managed, as these factors can significantly impact fasting blood sugar levels. Walking and breathing exercises were also included and regularly monitored, as they help lower blood sugar and sustain good energy levels throughout the day when done consistently.


We also guided Zahira in choosing fruits with a low glycaemic index and high fibre content to help maintain steady blood sugar levels and avoid rapid glucose spikes. Fruits with lower sugar content are absorbed more slowly, promoting stable energy release, which is critical in diabetes management. We advised her to avoid high-sugar fruits like mango, custard apple, sapota, grapes, and watermelon, as these could elevate her blood sugar quickly.


These dietary adjustments were thoughtfully designed to meet Fariza’s nutritional needs while supporting her health conditions. By focusing on balanced blood sugar control, they help stabilize her energy levels, enhance her overall wellness, and align closely with her goals for long-term diabetes management.



Results

Throughout her pregnancy, Fariza’s blood sugar levels were carefully monitored daily, with tailored guidance to help manage her cravings. Her meal plan allowed her to enjoy favourite foods in moderation, and she gained only 7 kg over the term. This balanced approach helped her carry the pregnancy to full term without the baby gaining excessive weight, which is crucial in managing gestational diabetes.


At the start of pregnancy, she required 14 units of insulin twice daily, but this was reduced to 10 units twice daily as her fasting blood sugars stabilized between 85–90 mg/dL and her post-meal levels averaged 110–118 mg/dL. In the third trimester, her insulin dose returned to 14 units due to her enjoying a wider variety of foods, which led to occasional blood sugar spikes (fasting levels of 98–102 mg/dL) and reduced physical activity. Despite this adjustment, her overall blood glucose control improved significantly.


Her fasting glucose dropped from 106 mg/dL to a healthy 80 mg/dL, showing better overnight regulation and improved insulin sensitivity. Pre-lunch blood sugar also fell from 100 mg/dL to 79 mg/dL, indicating stronger control over her morning levels. These improvements suggest that her dietary and lifestyle adjustments contributed to stable blood sugar throughout the day, supporting a healthier pregnancy and reducing the risk of complications like preeclampsia, preterm birth, and excessive fetal weight gain.


Deepika Chalasani is a Clinical Nutritionist, Mind and Body Transformation Coach, and co-founder of Fit4Life India, an integrated nutrition and wellness organization for Indians that provides complete solutions, addressing health and wellness challenges of individuals by working on their overall well-being. Deepika, the best nutritionist in Hyderabad for weight loss and online dietician can be contacted via email at deepika.chalasani@gmail.com or Mobile at +91 9381525943



 
 
 

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