Can I eat lard if I have high blood sugar at four months of pregnancy?

Jul 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am currently four months pregnant, and my blood sugar levels have been a bit high recently. Today my family bought some lard, and I would like to know if it is safe for me to consume lard at four months of pregnancy with elevated blood sugar?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Pregnant women with high blood sugar levels at four months of gestation should be cautious about consuming lard. If the blood sugar is well controlled, a small amount of lard may be consumed and generally will not significantly affect blood glucose levels. However, if blood sugar control is poor, it is not recommended to consume lard, as lard may be converted into glucose in the body, further elevating blood sugar levels and worsening the condition. Lard contains various fatty acids, including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, as well as rich amounts of vitamin A and vitamin E. In traditional medicine, lard is believed to have functions of nourishing the body, moistening dryness, and detoxification. However, pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet during pregnancy and avoid excessive intake of high-fat foods to prevent elevated blood lipids and increased coagulation tendency, which may raise the risk of gestational hypertension, diabetes, and thrombosis. At the same time, pregnant women should also engage in appropriate physical activity and regularly monitor blood glucose levels to ensure the health of both mother and baby.