Medical Nutrition Therapy for Various Disease States Practice Test

In gestational diabetes, carbohydrate is kept at a moderate level to balance blood sugar control with the energy needs of both mother and fetus. The best range is about 40-45% of daily calories from carbohydrate. This amount helps prevent large post-meal glucose spikes while ensuring there's enough energy and nutrient supply for pregnancy. For example, on an 1800 kcal/day plan, 40-45% from carbohydrate translates to roughly 180-200 grams of carbohydrate per day, spread across meals and snacks to avoid sharp rises after eating. The rest of the calories come from protein and fats, tailored to support maternal health and fetal development. Choosing a higher carbohydrate percentage (like 60-65%) can lead to greater postprandial glucose elevations and poorer glycemic control, while a very low carbohydrate plan (20-25% or less) risks ketosis and insufficient energy for pregnancy. Therefore, the moderate 40-45% range best supports stable glucose and healthy pregnancy outcomes.