Pregnant Bharti Singh, who has been advised to cut off sugar, relishes ‘santre wale chawal’: ‘Main pehle diabetes wali thi’

Admitting that she was once diabetic, which she “reversed” with lifestyle changes, Bharti continued: “Main pehle diabetes wali thi (I had diabetes before). Then I reversed it. Toh abhi doctor kehte ki aap pregnant ho toh diabetes dobaara hone ke bahut chances hote hai, isliye aap meetha avoid karo (But now that I am pregnant, the doctor has advised me to stay away from sugar due to fear of developing gestational diabetes). Lekin mujhe itni zyaada craving ho rahi hai…kya mujhe meetha khaana chahiye? Baahar ka nahi. Agar Rupa didi ghar me zarda bana rahi hai, toh woh khaa lun? (But I have a very strong craving. Can I eat what Rupa didi makes at home?)

Adding that she wants to eat the pulao as soon as possible, she said, “Itna aisa ho raha hai ki abhi bann jaaye aur main abhi khaa lun. Aap pregnant ho toh, baccha aap par itna haavi ho jaata hai na ki aap kuch sunn hi nahi paate kisi ki. Toh main toh khaungi zarda (I want to have it as soon as it is made. It’s such an irony that when you are pregnant, you crave so much that you don’t even pay heed to anyone. So, I will eat zarda,” said Bharti, who was then treated to ‘santre wale chawal or zarda’ by Rupa, who garnishes the basmati rice dish with some orange juice.

In the video, Bharti also said she has been experiencing “right shoulder pain” since returning from Switzerland.

Is diabetes common during pregnancy?

Yes, it is, affirmed Dr Richa Bharadwaj, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. “Hormonal changes, fluctuating blood sugar levels, and emotional comfort can make mothers-to-be crave sugar. For someone with a history of diabetes, these cravings can be tricky. It’s important not to give in to every craving without thinking, as this can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, which affects both the mother and the baby,” said Dr Bharadwaj.

Cravings do happen, but don’t go overboard (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Can women who’ve ‘reversed’ diabetes still develop gestational diabetes?

Yes, noted Dr Bharadwaj. “Even if blood sugars are normal before pregnancy, hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger insulin resistance. Someone with a history of diabetes must be extra careful. Regular blood sugar monitoring and a balanced diet are essential,” said Dr Bharadwaj.

What’s a healthy way to deal with intense sweet cravings?

The trick is to not deny, but to divert. “Choose natural sweet sources like fruits or dates in moderation. Traditional desserts made with jaggery and millets are good options too. Also, stay well-hydrated, as sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger or cravings,” said Dr Bharadwaj.

Dt Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, described Santre wale chawal or Orange Zarda as a “great idea”. “Oranges add natural sweetness and vitamin C. The dish can be a mindful treat if made the right way. Replace white rice with brown or basmati rice, and skip added sugar. Add some nuts or seeds for fibre and crunch; that helps prevent sudden sugar spikes,” said Sheikh.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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