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Managing Gestational Diabetes Naturally: How Nutrition Helped Riya Have a Healthy Pregnancy By Deepika Chalasani, Best Nutritionist in Hyderabad, India.

CASE STUDY & SUCCESS STORIES


Name: Riya

Age: 32 years 

Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Case Study


Riya, a 32-year-old software engineer from Pittsburgh, came to us during her third trimester of pregnancy after failing her 1-hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), which confirmed a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, indicating the need to manage her blood sugar proactively. She also had a family history of diabetes. At the start of her program, her fasting glucose levels were slightly elevated (around 100–102 mg/dL), and her 1–2-hour postprandial readings occasionally exceeded 140 mg/dL, indicating early glucose intolerance. Her HbA1c (5.7%), hemoglobin (13.5 g/dL), and liver and kidney functions were within normal limits, though disrupted sleep and late dinners contributed to mild fluctuations in blood sugar.


Her goal was to prevent pregnancy-related complications, stabilize blood sugar levels (fasting below 95 mg/dL and postprandial blood glucose should remain below 120 mg/dL as per her doctor’s recommendations), avoid insulin, and support optimal fetal growth through a balanced and sustainable nutrition plan — ensuring a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.


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

Riya’s health plan focused on managing gestational diabetes through nutrition and lifestyle modifications. Being a vegetarian, her plan emphasized vegetarian sources of protein and essential nutrients. The strategy aimed to maintain her blood sugar within the recommended range while supporting her demanding work schedule.


It was not about restrictive dieting and quick fixes to keep sugars in check but about building a balanced and sustainable routine that ensures glucose levels remain below the range and supports both maternal and fetal health.


Her mornings began with a simple ritual to promote hydration and gently activate metabolism — two glasses (500 ml) of warm water upon waking.


About 15 minutes later, she had 4 soaked almonds and 4 soaked walnuts. Soaking nuts improves nutrient absorption, enhances digestion, and reduces antinutrients like phytic acid, making vitamins and minerals more bioavailable.


This nourishing mix of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein helped stabilize her energy levels and reduce morning insulin spikes, setting a balanced tone for the day ahead.


Breakfast (9:00 a.m.) consisted of two slices of sourdough bread topped with 40 g of guacamole and 100 g of sautéed vegetables, paired with a plant protein shake made from one scoop (34 g) mixed with 200 ml of water.


This meal provided 411 kcal, 12 g fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein with a macronutrient ratio of approximately 45:20:30 (C:P:F), offering a perfect balance of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plant protein, keeping her satiated for hours and helping to prevent sugar fluctuations.


Lunch (1:00 p.m.) was the cornerstone of her plan — a wholesome, balanced meal designed to reduce post-meal insulin spikes while providing steady energy and nourishment. Her plate included 150 g of steamed vegetables, 180 g of cooked hand rice with 130 g of vegetable curry, protein in the form of 35 g of grilled, sautéed, or burji-style paneer or 100 g of cooked whole dals, 100 g of unflavored Greek yogurt or hung curd, and 5 g of ghee.

This thoughtful combination delivered protein, probiotics, and complex carbohydrates, supporting maternal nutrition and ensuring a balanced glycemic load of 23–28. Meals were cooked in peanut/olive oil, lightly spiced, and never deep-fried, ensuring nutrient retention and easy digestion.


Evening Snack (5:00 p.m.) featured a variety of low-glycemic, nutrient-dense options to support stable blood sugar levels and prevent post-meal glucose spikes. She had 150 g of fruits, such as pomegranate, apple, pear, orange, kiwi, berries, or muskmelon, paired with flaxseed powder.


This combination provided complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, supporting satiety and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Dinner (7:00 p.m.) was light and timed early to support restful sleep and prevent overnight glucose spikes. The options included 150 g of steamed vegetables, 150–170 g of cooked quinoa or oats, paired with 120 g of vegetable curry, and 80 g of tofu (sautéed, grilled, or pan-fried). For the vegetable curries, one or two vegetables from pumpkin, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, ivy gourd, or snake gourd were included, providing flexibility and variety. Wholesome alternatives included bisibele bath made with pearl millet and black-eyed peas, moong dal chillas, whole dal dosas, and peserattu.


A bedtime snack of a slice of cheese was included to help reduce fasting blood sugar levels.

She maintained a 3.5–4-hour gap between meals, ensuring her body had time to digest and stabilize sugar levels before the next meal. She was encouraged to maintain hydration by drinking 3–4 litres of water throughout the day to support optimal metabolic function. Her blood sugar was closely monitored with fasting and 1–2-hour post-meal readings, allowing timely adjustments to her meals and portion sizes.


Riya’s 1,511 kcal plan provided approximately 62 g of high-quality, efficient protein from sources such as tofu, paneer, dals, Greek yogurt, and quinoa. The protein was adequate to meet her daily needs for blood sugar control, overall health, and supporting fetal growth, and was strategically distributed across meals to ensure all essential amino acids were included and optimally utilized, with an ideal carbohydrate-to-protein-to-fat ratio of 52:16:32.

Riya was encouraged to walk for about 20–30 minutes after meals to help keep her postprandial blood sugar levels within the recommended range. Through this consistent and mindful plan, Riya managed her gestational diabetes effectively, experienced higher energy levels, and enjoyed a smoother pregnancy journey.



Results

With consistent adherence to the plan, Riya’s glucose readings steadily improved. Her fasting levels stabilized between 85–95 mg/dL, and post-meal readings remained within 110–130 mg/dL, with HbA1c returning to the non-diabetic range — all achieved naturally through food and lifestyle modifications.


Her hemoglobin (13.5 g/dL), liver (ALT 21 U/L), and kidney markers (creatinine 0.51 mg/dL, eGFR 127 mL/min) remained the same, reflecting strong metabolic and organ health throughout pregnancy.


The balanced approach helped her sustain energy, manage cravings, and maintain appropriate weight management during pregnancy. She had a smooth pregnancy and safe delivery, achieving her goal of healthymaternal and fetal health.


Riya’s journey is a powerful example of how mindful nutrition, consistency, and self-awareness can transform pregnancy health. With the right guidance and determination, gestational diabetes can be managed naturally empowering mothers to feel confident, in charge, and deeply connected to their body’s rhythm.


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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