Can I eat pickled chili peppers if I have high blood sugar during the second trimester of pregnancy?

Jul 08, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have a strong craving for pickled chili peppers during my pregnancy. I am currently in the second trimester and also have slightly elevated blood sugar levels. Is it safe for me to eat pickled chili peppers during the second trimester if my blood sugar is high?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Pregnant women with high blood sugar levels in the second trimester should avoid consuming pickled chili peppers. The primary reason is that pickled chili peppers typically contain high levels of salt and capsaicin, which may negatively affect blood sugar management. A high-salt diet may worsen edema during pregnancy and increase the risk of gestational hypertension, which is often associated with poor glycemic control. In addition, capsaicin may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, affecting the digestion and absorption of food, and indirectly disrupting blood sugar stability. For pregnant women who already have elevated blood sugar levels, maintaining a light and balanced diet is particularly important in order to avoid further exacerbating blood sugar fluctuations and negatively affecting the healthy development of the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women with high blood sugar in the second trimester should avoid heavily seasoned foods such as pickled chili peppers and choose healthier, low-sugar, low-salt dietary options.