A Case Study on Sugar and Sweetener Consumption During Pregnancy - Is It Safe and Advisable for Women Predisposed to Diabetes?

The West is suffering enormously from obesity and diabetes-related illnesses. Yet, based on this case study, current health care seldom recommends dietary exclusions for mothers unable to tolerate sugar or cow’s milk, but tries to solve the problem with very technical solutions. These include “high-tech” processes to produce sweeteners from sugar alcohols, for example. Even when the artificial sweeteners may appear vital, the human body can react to additives similarly to sugars, raising risks for complications and C-sections for pregnant mothers. Thereby, sugar and sugary foods and beverages should be eliminated from a pregnant mother’s diet, not only for maternal health, but also to prevent Type 2 Diabetes for children later in life. As WHO states, humans do not need added sugars, and proposes higher taxation on sugary beverages. The empirical findings of this research warrant eliminating sugar in pregnancy, creating better maternal conditions, thereby avoiding possible complications with C-section and sizeable newborns. Especially when the same parents with family predisposition to diabetes can have three diff erent outcomes of birthing and newborn size, the only variable in this case was the mother’s diet. Thereby, a strict sugar elimination resulted in an easy third pregnancy and delivery. Accordingly, based on other findings regarding sugar and sweeteners, it is advisable to avoid them, as humans do not need added sugar or any additives. Sugar is nevertheless available naturally in fruits and berries, and therefore, sugar should remain a luxury commodity - advisable only rarely - as we cannot “party” every day.