Introduction: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs in pregnancy and meets agreed diagnostic values. It is affected by: obesity, gestational diabetes in previous pregnancy, unhealthy lifestyle and other factors. Its occurrence is due to insufficient insulin secretion. An intolerance to glucose occurs and consequently a rise in blood sugar. Gestational diabetes is a risk factor for congenital anomalies, anatomical and functional changes in the child, and the onset of metabolic syndrome later in adulthood. Treatment options are divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological. The latter are the basis for treatment of gestational diabetes, they include healthy nutrition, regular physical activity and self-monitoring of blood glucose. Education about a healthy lifestyle is carried out by a nurse educator. Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the diet education process that includes pregnant women with gestational diabetes. The fundamental question we have asked is whether pregnant women with a gestational diabetes are eating healthier after structured education. Working methods: The research was carried out using an anonymous questionnaire in the form of a cross-sectional study, using a quantitative research methodology. In the theoretical part, the descriptive method of work was used and a review of literature and scientific articles was carried out using the COBISS, MEDLINE, CHINAL, Google Scholar and EBSCHOhost databases. We have examined the existing foreign and Slovenian guidelines on the management of diabetes. Results: Pregnant women with gestational diabetes (38 women) were statistically significantly more concerned with the recommendations on diet after education (CINDI recommendations), and have reduced the intake of unhealthy foods: bakery products, salty snacks, juices, alcoholic beverages, sweet snacks and processed meat products. Pregnant women with pregnancy-related diabetes are also more attentive to the composition of foods and the choice of carbohydrates with a lower glycaemic index. Discussion and conclusion: The study confirmed that there are statistically significant differences in diets of pregnant women with gestational diabetes following education. Education influences better eating habits of pregnant women with gestational diabetes and a healthier choice of foods.
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