Allergen Information
Contains: Tree Nuts
Nutrition per 100g
Apricot Kernel Oil for Gestational Diabetes
Apricot kernel oil is a light, mild oil extracted from the kernels (pits) of apricots. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, and is a significant source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Its flavor profile is subtly nutty and sweet, making it a versatile ingredient that doesn't overpower other foods. Due to its beneficial fatty acid profile and antioxidant content, it is prized in both culinary applications and skincare. This oil is similar in composition to sweet almond oil and can often be used interchangeably in recipes.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
0gIs Apricot Kernel Oil safe with gestational diabetes?
Apricot kernel oil is an excellent choice for managing gestational diabetes as it is a pure fat with zero carbohydrates. This means it will not raise blood glucose levels on its own, making it a safe and beneficial addition to your diet. Its primary role is to provide healthy monounsaturated fats, essential for both maternal and fetal health, and to add flavor and satisfaction to meals. Using this oil can help create balanced, nutrient-dense meals without contributing to your carbohydrate load, which is crucial for blood sugar control.
How does Apricot Kernel Oil affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
With a glycemic index of zero, apricot kernel oil has no direct impact on blood sugar. In fact, incorporating healthy fats like this into a meal can be beneficial for glucose management. Fat slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates consumed in the same meal, leading to a more gradual increase in blood sugar rather than a sharp spike. This blunting effect is highly advantageous for maintaining stable glucose levels throughout the day, which is the primary goal in gestational diabetes management.
What is a safe portion of Apricot Kernel Oil for gestational diabetes?
While beneficial, apricot kernel oil is very calorie-dense, so portion control is important for healthy weight gain during pregnancy. A recommended serving size is about one tablespoon. This is enough to prepare a serving of vegetables or to use as a base for a salad dressing for one person. Using a measuring spoon rather than pouring freely from the bottle can help you manage your intake effectively, ensuring you get the benefits without consuming excessive calories.
How should I combine Apricot Kernel Oil to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To leverage its blood sugar-stabilizing effects, pair apricot kernel oil with carbohydrate-containing foods. Use it to make a vinaigrette for a large salad that includes lean protein like grilled chicken and a small portion of whole grains like quinoa. You can also use it to roast non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. This combination of fiber from vegetables, protein, and healthy fat from the oil creates a well-rounded, low-glycemic meal that promotes satiety and stable energy levels.
Last reviewed: August 31, 2026
Important Safety Information
Every pregnancy is different, and gestational diabetes is managed differently depending on your readings, your medication and how far along you are. The ratings and portions on this page are general information — not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a medical device — and they cannot see your results.
- Low blood sugar:
- If you take insulin or diabetes medication, eating less carbohydrate than your team planned for can push your blood sugar too low. Treat a reading below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), or symptoms such as shaking, sweating, confusion or a racing heart, with fast-acting carbohydrate immediately and retest after 15 minutes. Never use this page as a reason to skip or shrink a meal you were told to eat.
- Carbohydrate and ketones:
- Cutting carbohydrate hard to force a number down is not safe in pregnancy — it can produce ketones. Published guidance sets a minimum of 175 g of carbohydrate per day in pregnancy. Readings that stay above target for several days need your care team, not a smaller portion.
- Medication and insulin:
- The portions here are generic and know nothing about your insulin doses, your metformin, or the steroids given to mature your baby's lungs — all of which change how a meal affects you. Never adjust a dose or a mealtime based on this page.
- Food safety in pregnancy:
- Blood sugar is not the only thing that makes a food suitable while you are pregnant. Some foods with excellent glycemic numbers still carry mercury, vitamin A, listeria or alcohol risks, and those are judged separately from the ratings shown here. Check your national pregnancy food-safety guidance before adding an unfamiliar food.
- What these ratings can and cannot tell you:
- Glycemic index values, impact ratings and maximum servings are population averages taken from published tables. Two people eating the same food can get very different readings, so your own meter is the only measurement that describes you. Nutrition figures are indicative per 100 g and vary with brand, ripeness and preparation.
Contact your care team the same day if: your readings stay above target for several days; you have a reading below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) or needed someone else's help to treat a low; you test positive for ketones; or your baby is moving less than usual. Seek emergency care for confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, or a low you cannot bring back up.
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Sources & Editorial Review
Content independently developed by Dalo Labs ApS, informed by the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care in Diabetes, ACOG's gestational diabetes guidelines, and the IADPSG consensus criteria. Not endorsed by or affiliated with any referenced organization. · Last reviewed: August 2026
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