The Difference Between Type 1 and Gestational Diabetes

The difference between type 1 diabetes and· Reduce high starch foods and refined sugars
gestational diabetes is that with type 1 diabetes youGestational diabetes is developed during pregnancy
unfortunately cannot not reverse this type of diabetesand it usually disappears once the child is born. During
and with gestational diabetes, if you manage and takepregnancy, the placenta releases hormones that
care of yourself properly you can avoid developingreduce the effectiveness of the mother's insulin, which
type 2 diabetes and return to a normal life withoutwill allow her to develop diabetes. This type of
diabetes.diabetes is managed through diet, exercise and in
The worst possible scenario with gestational diabetessome cases insulin.
is that you develop type 2 diabetes and it will remainThese hormones are produced around the 20th week
with you after you have given birth.of your pregnancy, however once the baby is born,
Type 1 diabetes is a very common childhood diseasethe foetus and placenta are no longer in your body
that is usually diagnosed before they are 16 years old.which gets rid of the anti-insulin hormones and your
There are slightly different ways to manage type 1diabetes disappears as well.
diabetes and it depends on the age of the person. It isThe diet that should be followed when you are
absolutely vital that you maintain and keep optimalpregnant is important so that you can provide your
blood glucose levels while children and teenagers arebody with the required nutrients it needs. If you have
growing and developing. If they don't meet their fullhad a nutritious diet before your pregnancy, then it
growth potential under good management of diabetes,should be easier for you to meet the recommended
sadly you cannot go back and try again.needs without any supplements, there are however
As the child progresses through life and becomes antwo that need to be considered, which are iron and
adult, it becomes easier to manage and control theirfolate.
diabetes by maintaining good health and thereforeBy following the guidelines below, you should be able to
preventing complications that are associated withsupply you body with the required nutrients:
diabetes.· Eat a large variety of nutritious foods whenever
Essentially, eating nutritious healthy foods will help withpossible
your long-term health and wellbeing. The following is a· Make sure you limit your saturated fat intake and
guideline that is useful:limit all fatty foods
· Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables· Eliminate refined sugars from your diet
· Include cereals, bread, pasta and rice, especially· Eliminate soft drinks, packet snacks, fried foods and
choose the low GI food groupsany foods that have no nutritional value
· Eat only moderate amounts of meat, fish, poultry· Avoid alcohol
and alternatives like legumes, nuts and seedsThe difference between type 1 diabetes and
· When eating dairy foods, choose the low fatgestational diabetes is quite significant. By following a
varietieshealthy nutritious diet you are well on your way to
· Reduce the amount of saturated fat in your dietmanaging your diabetes and achieving optimum health.
· Reduce salt intake and,