According to research reviewed by Gram Research, pregnant women with gestational diabetes who eat fewer carbohydrates have modestly better blood sugar control, with very low carb intake (less than 120 grams daily) reducing blood sugar levels by about 6.8 percent compared to standard intake. However, babies born to mothers eating very low carbs weighed slightly less on average, and these mothers consumed less fiber and certain vitamins and minerals, so medical supervision is essential to ensure adequate nutrition for both mother and baby.
A new study looked at pregnant women with gestational diabetes who ate different amounts of carbohydrates. Gram Research analysis found that women eating fewer carbs had better blood sugar control during pregnancy. However, researchers warn that eating too few carbs might mean missing important nutrients like fiber and vitamins that both mom and baby need. The study suggests that while lower carb intake can help manage blood sugar, pregnant women should work with their doctors to make sure they’re still getting all the nutrition required for a healthy pregnancy.
Key Statistics
A 2026 secondary analysis of 215 pregnant women with gestational diabetes found that very low carbohydrate intake (less than 120 grams daily) reduced blood sugar levels by 6.8 percent compared to standard carbohydrate intake of 175 grams or more daily.
In the DiGest Trial analysis published in 2026, babies born to mothers eating very low carbohydrates weighed approximately 9.6 percentile points less than babies of mothers eating standard carbohydrate amounts, though this difference was small and did not result in unhealthily small babies.
Research from the 2026 DiGest Trial secondary analysis showed that women consuming very low carbohydrates during late pregnancy had significantly lower fiber and micronutrient intake compared to those eating standard carbohydrate amounts, raising concerns about nutritional adequacy.
A 2026 analysis of 215 pregnant women found that low carbohydrate intake as a proportion of total calories (less than 35 percent) without overall calorie restriction improved blood sugar control without affecting birth weight, suggesting calorie restriction may explain some birth weight differences.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether pregnant women with gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy) who eat fewer carbohydrates have better blood sugar control and healthier babies compared to those eating standard carb amounts.
- Who participated: 215 pregnant women with gestational diabetes who were part of a larger study called DiGest. About one-third ate standard carb amounts (175 grams or more daily), one-third ate low carbs (120-175 grams daily), and one-third ate very low carbs (less than 120 grams daily).
- Key finding: Women who ate fewer carbohydrates had modestly better blood sugar control before starting a formal diet plan. Babies born to mothers eating very low carbs weighed slightly less on average, though this difference was small and not necessarily harmful.
- What it means for you: If you have gestational diabetes, eating fewer carbs may help control your blood sugar, but you should not do this without medical supervision. Make sure you’re still getting enough fiber, vitamins, and minerals that your baby needs to develop properly. Talk to your doctor or a pregnancy nutrition specialist before making major diet changes.
The Research Details
This was a secondary analysis of the DiGest Trial, meaning researchers looked at data that had already been collected for a different purpose. The original study followed pregnant women with gestational diabetes from around 29 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. At the start of the study, women reported everything they ate in the previous 24 hours, and researchers measured their blood sugar continuously using a special monitor worn on the skin. Women were then randomly assigned to either eat their normal amount of calories (2,000 per day) or a reduced amount (1,200 per day). Researchers then looked at whether the amount of carbohydrates women ate at the beginning affected their blood sugar levels and their babies’ health.
The researchers divided women into three groups based on carbohydrate intake: standard (175 grams or more daily), low (120 to 175 grams daily), and very low (less than 120 grams daily). They compared blood sugar readings, nutrient intake, and birth outcomes between these groups. This approach allowed them to see if eating fewer carbs naturally led to better results, separate from the effects of eating fewer total calories.
Understanding how different carbohydrate levels affect pregnant women with gestational diabetes is important because doctors around the world disagree about how many carbs pregnant women should eat. Some experts recommend at least 175 grams daily to support the mother’s brain function and the baby’s brain development. This study helps answer the question of whether eating less than that amount is safe and effective for managing blood sugar during pregnancy.
This study was published in Diabetes Care, a respected medical journal. The researchers used continuous glucose monitoring, which is more accurate than occasional blood tests. However, this was a secondary analysis, meaning it wasn’t the original purpose of the study, so the findings are less definitive than a study designed specifically to test this question. The study included 215 women at baseline, though not all completed all measurements. Women self-reported their food intake, which can be less accurate than having researchers measure food directly.
What the Results Show
Women who ate fewer carbohydrates had modestly better blood sugar control before starting their assigned diet plan. Specifically, women eating very low carbs (less than 120 grams daily) had blood sugar levels that were about 6.8 percent lower than women eating standard amounts of carbs. This improvement was small but statistically significant, meaning it was unlikely to have happened by chance.
Babies born to mothers in the very low carb group weighed slightly less on average, about 9.6 percentile points lower than babies of mothers eating standard carbs. To put this in perspective, if a typical baby weighed 7.5 pounds, a baby in the very low carb group might weigh around 7 pounds. While this difference was measurable, it was small and did not result in babies being classified as unhealthily small for their age.
When researchers looked at women who ate fewer carbs but didn’t restrict total calories, they found better blood sugar control but no difference in baby birth weight. This suggests that the reduction in birth weight seen in the very low carb group might have been related to eating fewer total calories, not just fewer carbs.
The study found that women eating very low carbs consumed less fiber and certain micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) compared to women eating standard amounts of carbs. This is important because fiber helps with digestion and blood sugar control, and micronutrients are essential for both mother and baby health. The study did not find differences in whether babies were born too large or too small for their gestational age, which are important measures of healthy fetal growth.
This study aligns with existing research showing that lower carbohydrate intake can improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. However, previous research on pregnancy and carbohydrate intake is limited. Most pregnancy guidelines recommend at least 175 grams of carbs daily, primarily to ensure the mother’s brain has enough glucose and the baby’s brain develops normally. This study suggests that modest reductions below that level may be safe for blood sugar control, but it doesn’t fully resolve concerns about whether very low carb intake could affect long-term fetal brain development.
This study has several important limitations. First, it was a secondary analysis, not a study designed specifically to test low-carb diets in pregnancy. Second, women self-reported their food intake, which is often inaccurate. Third, the study only followed women through late pregnancy and birth, so researchers couldn’t measure long-term effects on the baby’s health or development. Fourth, the study didn’t randomly assign women to different carb levels; instead, researchers looked at what women naturally chose to eat. This means other factors (like overall health or education level) might have influenced both carb intake and outcomes. Finally, the study was relatively small, with only 215 women at baseline, which limits how much we can generalize the findings to all pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
The Bottom Line
If you have gestational diabetes, work with your healthcare team (doctor, midwife, or registered dietitian) to determine the right carbohydrate intake for you. This study suggests that eating fewer carbs may help control blood sugar, but it should be done under medical supervision. Make sure any diet plan includes adequate fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Do not attempt very low carbohydrate diets (less than 120 grams daily) without professional guidance. The evidence for this approach is moderate, meaning it shows promise but isn’t definitive.
This research is most relevant to pregnant women with gestational diabetes who are looking for ways to manage their blood sugar. It may also interest healthcare providers who counsel pregnant women about nutrition. This study does not apply to pregnant women without gestational diabetes, as they have different nutritional needs and blood sugar management isn’t a concern. It also doesn’t apply to non-pregnant people with type 2 diabetes, as pregnancy changes how the body handles carbohydrates.
Blood sugar improvements from lower carb intake can appear within days to weeks, as shown by the continuous glucose monitoring in this study. However, the full effects on pregnancy outcomes take the entire remaining pregnancy to develop. If you make dietary changes, expect to see blood sugar improvements relatively quickly, but don’t expect to see effects on baby health until delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to eat a low-carb diet during pregnancy if I have gestational diabetes?
Modest carbohydrate reduction may help control blood sugar during pregnancy with gestational diabetes, but it requires medical supervision. A 2026 study found very low carb intake improved blood sugar by 6.8 percent but reduced nutrient intake, so work with your healthcare provider to ensure adequate fiber, vitamins, and minerals for you and your baby.
How many carbs should I eat per day if I’m pregnant with gestational diabetes?
Most experts recommend at least 175 grams of carbohydrates daily during pregnancy. This 2026 study suggests modest reductions may be safe for blood sugar control, but the optimal amount varies by individual. Discuss your specific carbohydrate target with your doctor or registered dietitian, as it depends on your blood sugar readings and overall health.
Will eating fewer carbs during pregnancy affect my baby’s development?
This study found babies of mothers eating very low carbs weighed slightly less at birth but were not unhealthily small. However, very low carb diets reduced fiber and nutrient intake, which could affect development. Long-term effects on baby health aren’t yet known, so medical supervision is essential when reducing carbs during pregnancy.
What nutrients do I need to watch for on a low-carb pregnancy diet?
A 2026 study found that very low carbohydrate diets during pregnancy reduced intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Focus on getting adequate fiber (25-30 grams daily), iron, calcium, folate, and other micronutrients through nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fortified grains while managing carbohydrate intake.
Can I lose weight on a low-carb diet while pregnant with gestational diabetes?
Weight loss during pregnancy is generally not recommended, even with gestational diabetes. This 2026 study found that calorie restriction combined with low carbs reduced birth weight. Focus on managing blood sugar through balanced nutrition rather than weight loss. Your healthcare provider can advise on appropriate weight management during pregnancy.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log daily carbohydrate intake (in grams) and pair it with blood sugar readings from your glucose monitor. Track the time of day for both measurements to identify patterns, such as which meals or snacks cause the largest blood sugar spikes.
- Set a daily carbohydrate target in consultation with your healthcare provider, then use the app to log meals and snacks before eating them. This helps you stay within your target while ensuring you hit minimum fiber and micronutrient goals. Use the app’s alerts to remind you to eat balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, and vegetables alongside carbs.
- Weekly, review your average blood sugar readings and carbohydrate intake to see if your target is working. If blood sugar remains high, discuss with your provider whether a modest reduction in carbs might help. Monthly, check that you’re meeting minimum fiber (25-30 grams daily) and key micronutrient targets by reviewing your logged meals. Adjust your food choices if you’re falling short.
This article summarizes research findings and should not replace personalized medical advice. Gestational diabetes requires individualized treatment under the care of a qualified healthcare provider. Do not change your diet or carbohydrate intake during pregnancy without consulting your doctor, midwife, or registered dietitian. This research is based on a secondary analysis of an existing study and has limitations that affect how broadly the findings apply. Pregnancy outcomes depend on many factors beyond diet, and this study does not establish that low-carb diets are safe or recommended for all pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Always work with your healthcare team to develop a nutrition plan tailored to your specific needs and medical situation.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.