Q: I am having blood sugar, before meals 90-130, after meals (after one hour) 120-170. Please tell me what I have to do. I am pregnant 8 month running now. What type of diet I have to take? Can I eat dal (Masur, toor, moong, etc)? Please tell me what type of food I should take. Is my blood sugar going to affect my baby?

A:Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy. If you have diabetes, your body isn't able to use the sugar (glucose) in your blood as well as it should, so the level of sugar in your blood becomes higher than normal. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women. It usually begins in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy (between the 24th and 28th weeks). Most often, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born. High sugar levels in your blood can be unhealthy for both you and your baby. If the diabetes isn't treated, your baby may be more likely to have problems at birth. For example, your baby may have a low blood sugar level or jaundice, or your baby may weigh much more than is normal. Gestational diabetes can also affect your health. For instance, if your baby is very large, you may have a more difficult delivery or need a cesarean section. You will need to follow a suggested diet, exercise regularly and have blood tests to check your blood sugar level. You may also need to take medicine to control your blood sugar level. You should avoid eating foods that contain a lot of simple sugar, such as cake, cookies, or ice cream. Instead, eat foods that contain natural sugars, like fruits. If you get hungry between meals, eat foods that are healthy for you, such as salads and fruits. Complex sugars, which are found in foods like chapati, whole breads, rice, potatoes and fruit, are good for both you and your baby. Its also important to eat well-balanced meals. You may need to eat less at each meal but eat more frequently. Exercise will help keep your blood sugar level normal, and it can also make you feel better. Walking is usually the easiest type of exercise when you are pregnant, but swimming or other exercises you enjoy work just as well. Ask your doctor to recommend some activities that would be safe for you.