Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, s, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.
Gestational diabetes—high blood sugar levels that develop when you’re pregnant—”is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. It’s linked to problems with fetal growth, infant mortality, pre-eclampsia (which can be dangerous for the mom), and a number of major birth defects. Is there anything we can do to prevent it?.
Well, the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study found that eating meat before getting pregnant seemed to make the chance of getting diabetes during pregnancy higher. They suggest that the carcinogenic nitrosamines in bacon, and other processed meat, may be toxic to insulin-producing cells. This may be why ham, and other lunch meats, may play a role in initiating type 1 diabetes. But, increased risk was also found for non-processed meat, too. Because of this, it’s possible that gestational diabetes is caused by glycotoxins, which are advanced glycation end products that are made in meat and cause inflammation.
More recently, though, attention has turned to the blood-based heme iron in animal products. Higher pre-pregnancy intake of dietary heme iron is associated with an increased [gestational diabetes] risk. We already knew that women who ate a lot of heme iron from animal products had a higher chance of getting type 2 diabetes. But, we didn’t know about the gestational diabetes, until recently. Now for type 2 diabetes, only animal-based iron was associated with diabetes risk.
The more plant-based, or non-heme iron, was not. This might be because our bodies aren’t as good at controlling how much iron is absorbed from the blood, so getting too much iron over time can make us too sick. The same thing was found for gestational diabetes. Blood-based iron was associated with as much as triple the increased risk. But, if anything, there was a trend towards the non-heme, or plant-based, iron being protective against diabetes.
In any case, this explains why pregnant women who eat vegetarian food seem to have a much lower chance of getting diabetes. But, this study was in India, where vegetarians tend to avoid eggs as well. A more recent Harvard study found that “higher intakes of animal fat and cholesterol before pregnancy were linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes.” Using 5% animal fat instead of 5% carbs was linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes.
But if it’s not just the animal fat but also the cholesterol, then eggs should also make you more likely to get diabetes while you’re pregnant. But, it had never been directly studied, until now. The risk of gestational diabetes in relation to maternal egg intake.
It seems that women were more likely to get diabetes during their pregnancies if they ate more eggs before they got pregnant and during the first few months of their pregnancy. Also, these results are similar to those of other studies that found links between high cholesterol levels and getting regular (type 2) diabetes in men and women who are not pregnant.
More than that, women who get gestational diabetes are seven times more likely to get type 2 diabetes later in life. So, pregnancy is viewed as a teachable moment. “Women who are pregnant often feel very driven to make healthy changes to their lives for their own health and the health of their unborn children.” So, pregnancy may be a very important time to change both short-term and long-term habits. It may also be a time when health care providers can help people change their lifestyles to become healthier.
Thanks to Ellen Reid for her -finding expertise, and Jeff Thomas for his Keynote help.
Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, s, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.
Gestational diabetes—high blood sugar levels that develop when you’re pregnant—”is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. It’s linked to problems with fetal growth, infant mortality, pre-eclampsia (which can be dangerous for the mom), and a number of major birth defects. Is there anything we can do to prevent it?.
Well, the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study found that eating meat before getting pregnant seemed to make the chance of getting diabetes during pregnancy higher. They suggest that the carcinogenic nitrosamines in bacon, and other processed meat, may be toxic to insulin-producing cells. This may be why ham, and other lunch meats, may play a role in initiating type 1 diabetes. But, increased risk was also found for non-processed meat, too. Because of this, it’s possible that gestational diabetes is caused by glycotoxins, which are advanced glycation end products that are made in meat and cause inflammation.
More recently, though, attention has turned to the blood-based heme iron in animal products. Higher pre-pregnancy intake of dietary heme iron is associated with an increased [gestational diabetes] risk. We already knew that women who ate a lot of heme iron from animal products had a higher chance of getting type 2 diabetes. But, we didn’t know about the gestational diabetes, until recently. Now for type 2 diabetes, only animal-based iron was associated with diabetes risk.
The more plant-based, or non-heme iron, was not. This might be because our bodies aren’t as good at controlling how much iron is absorbed from the blood, so getting too much iron over time can make us too sick. The same thing was found for gestational diabetes. Blood-based iron was associated with as much as triple the increased risk. But, if anything, there was a trend towards the non-heme, or plant-based, iron being protective against diabetes.
In any case, this explains why pregnant women who eat vegetarian food seem to have a much lower chance of getting diabetes. But, this study was in India, where vegetarians tend to avoid eggs as well. A more recent Harvard study found that “higher intakes of animal fat and cholesterol before pregnancy were linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes.” Using 5% animal fat instead of 5% carbs was linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes.
But if it’s not just the animal fat but also the cholesterol, then eggs should also make you more likely to get diabetes while you’re pregnant. But, it had never been directly studied, until now. The risk of gestational diabetes in relation to maternal egg intake.
It seems that women were more likely to get diabetes during their pregnancies if they ate more eggs before they got pregnant and during the first few months of their pregnancy. Also, these results are similar to those of other studies that found links between high cholesterol levels and getting regular (type 2) diabetes in men and women who are not pregnant.
More than that, women who get gestational diabetes are seven times more likely to get type 2 diabetes later in life. So, pregnancy is viewed as a teachable moment. “Women who are pregnant often feel very driven to make healthy changes to their lives for their own health and the health of their unborn children.” So, pregnancy may be a very important time to change both short-term and long-term habits. It may also be a time when health care providers can help people change their lifestyles to become healthier.
Thanks to Ellen Reid for her -finding expertise, and Jeff Thomas for his Keynote help.
Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects pregnant women, causing high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the extra demands of pregnancy. An estimated 1 in 10 pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes. While it usually goes away after delivery, it does increase the mother’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. It can also lead to complications during pregnancy and delivery if blood sugar levels are not well controlled.
One of the key ways to manage gestational diabetes is through diet. This means paying close attention to the types and amounts of carbohydrates consumed. It also requires balancing meals with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. For many women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the dietary changes can feel overwhelming and restrictive initially. Foods that were once dietary staples like bread, pasta, rice, and fruit must now be limited.
Understandably, many women want to know if they can still enjoy foods like bacon, which have become dietary villains in recent decades With its high fat content and association with less healthy breakfasts, bacon seems likely to be on the “do not eat” list for gestational diabetes However, the answer may surprise you.
Can I Eat Bacon With Gestational Diabetes?
The simple answer is yes. Bacon can be part of a healthy gestational diabetes diet when consumed in moderation. The key things to know about eating bacon with gestational diabetes are:
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Bacon is low in carbohydrates. Since carbs have the biggest impact on blood sugar levels, bacon can be a good protein choice. A single slice contains 0-1 grams of carbs.
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It provides protein, Bacon contains 6-8 grams of protein per slice Protein helps keep you full and balances out blood sugar response
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It contains fat. Bacon is high in fat, especially saturated fat But healthy fats are important in gestational diabetes diets They help control hunger, provide essential fats, and also slow digestion to minimize blood sugar spikes.
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Watch portion sizes. While bacon can be included in a healthy gestational diabetes diet, portions must be controlled. 2-3 slices per meal is a good target.
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Look for quality. Seek uncured bacon from animals fed vegetarian diets when possible. This reduces nitrates, saturated fat, and excess sodium.
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Pair bacon with other nutritious foods. Eat bacon as part of balanced meals alongside vegetables, eggs, nuts, dairy, etc.
Tips for Including Bacon in a Gestational Diabetes Diet
Here are some tips to keep in mind for safely incorporating bacon into your gestational diabetes diet:
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Opt for turkey bacon or Canadian bacon for a leaner option.
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Grill or bake bacon instead of frying. Drain excess grease after cooking.
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Combine bacon with eggs for breakfast. The protein and fat balance out the carbs in eggs.
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Add crumbled bacon to salads for flavor, crunch, and staying power.
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Wrap bacon around chicken breast, meatloaf, or vegetables before cooking.
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Mix bacon pieces into Brussels sprouts or green beans for extra taste.
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Use bacon grease to cook vegetables or make dressings. Use in moderation.
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Incorporate bacon into veggie-filled omelets or frittatas.
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Enjoy BLTs on whole wheat bread or lettuce wraps using just 1-2 slices of quality bacon.
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Add bacon bits or crumbles to grain bowls and soups.
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Sprinkle crumbled bacon on wilted spinach. The salty crunch on tender greens is delicious.
Sample Gestational Diabetes Meals with Bacon
To give you ideas on healthy ways to eat bacon with gestational diabetes, here are some meal suggestions:
Breakfast
- Scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, fresh spinach, and 2 slices turkey bacon
- BLT made with 2 slices whole wheat bread, 2 slices uncured bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado
- Frittata with onions, peppers, mushroom, cheddar, and 2 slices Canadian bacon
Lunch
- Cobb salad made with turkey bacon, chicken breast, hard boiled egg, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, and blue cheese dressing
- Baked potato topped with veggies, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and real bacon bits
- Soup with bacon, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cheddar
Dinner
- Grilled chicken breast wrapped in bacon served with roasted broccoli
- Bun-less bacon cheeseburger with mushrooms, onion, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, and mustard
- Zucchini noodles with grilled shrimp, bacon, peas, and Parmesan
Snacks
- Hard boiled egg with sliced avocado and crumbled bacon
- Bacon wrapped dates
- Celery sticks filled with cream cheese and topped with crumbled bacon
Gestational Diabetes Diet Guidelines
When constructing your gestational diabetes diet to optimize blood sugar control, keep these general guidelines from dietitians in mind:
- Eat 3 small meals and 2-3 snacks daily
- Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables
- Prioritize lean proteins like poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, tofu
- Choose high-fiber whole grain options whenever possible
- Limit refined grains like white bread, rice, and pasta
- Enjoy healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds
- Drink water as your primary beverage
- Exercise daily like walking for 30 minutes
With thoughtful meal planning and smart swaps, you can absolutely incorporate nutritious foods like bacon that you enjoy into your gestational diabetes diet. Moderating portions and pairing bacon with vegetables and other healthy ingredients is key for balancing your blood sugar levels. Maintaining open communication with your doctor will ensure you receive guidance tailored to your individual needs as well.
Bacon, Eggs, and Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy
I recently covered eggs and regular (type 2) diabetes in Eggs and Diabetes.
More on advanced glycation end products in Glycotoxins and Avoiding a Sugary Grave.
The meat industry is trying to come up with ways to deal with the toxic heme iron that is found in animal products. See Meat Additives to Diminish Toxicity. More on heme versus nonheme iron in Risk Associated with Iron Supplements.
What else has the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study shown us? See:
For other cautionary pregnancy tales, see:
See all of my videos on pregnancy on the topic page.
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