Can pregnant women with high blood sugar eat guava?

May 10, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
If a pregnant woman’s blood glucose level is elevated and falls outside the normal range, she should avoid consuming pomegranates and papayas. Instead, she may eat low-glycemic foods such as cucumbers and tomatoes. However, if her blood glucose level remains within the normal range, moderate consumption of pomegranates and papayas is acceptable—preferably between meals and in limited quantities. For individuals with diabetes whose blood glucose is well-controlled, apples—as well as pomegranates and papayas—may also be included in the diet.

Guava (Psidium guajava) possesses antidiarrheal, hemostatic, stomach-tonifying, and heat-clearing properties. Its primary nutritional components include fructose, sucrose, and amino acids. Can pregnant women with elevated blood glucose consume guava?

Can pregnant women with elevated blood glucose consume guava?

If a pregnant woman’s blood glucose level falls outside the normal range, consumption of pomegranate and guava is generally not recommended. Instead, she may safely consume low-glycemic foods such as cucumber and tomato. However, if her blood glucose remains within a relatively normal range, moderate intake of pomegranate and guava is permissible—ideally consumed between meals and in limited quantities. For diabetic pregnant women whose blood glucose is well-controlled, additional suitable fruits include apple, pear, tangerine, orange, grapefruit, kiwifruit, passion fruit, and yellow passion fruit. These should also be eaten between meals, with portion sizes carefully controlled: one small apple, one small pear, or one small tangerine—or half a serving of larger fruits—constitutes the recommended fruit portion for pregnant women with diabetes.

When evaluating glycemic index (GI)—i.e., the extent to which 100 g of a given food raises blood glucose levels—guava typically has a GI of approximately 18, classifying it as a low-GI fruit. Therefore, regardless of whether blood glucose is elevated, pregnant women may safely consume guava.

Guava is a tropical fruit. During late pregnancy, uterine enlargement may compress the rectum, leading to constipation in some women. Consuming guava can enhance gastrointestinal motility and help alleviate constipation. Additionally, guava is rich in vitamin C; adequate maternal vitamin C intake supports healthy fetal development. We hope this information is helpful to you!