Allergen Information
Contains: Gluten
Nutrition per 100g
Grains & Cereal › Whole Grains
Barley Groats for Gestational Diabetes
Barley groats are the whole, hulled kernels of the barley grain, with only the outermost inedible hull removed. This minimal processing leaves the bran and germ intact, making them a highly nutritious whole grain. They possess a wonderfully chewy texture and a mild, nutty flavor that is more robust than pearled barley. Rich in fiber, particularly beta-glucans, as well as essential minerals like manganese and selenium, barley groats are a fantastic addition to a health-conscious diet. Their versatility allows them to be used in a wide array of dishes, from hearty soups to wholesome salads.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
28.2gIs Barley Groats safe with gestational diabetes?
Barley groats are an excellent grain choice for managing gestational diabetes due to their very low glycemic index and high fiber content. The key is the presence of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that significantly slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. This leads to a much more gradual and lower rise in blood glucose levels compared to refined grains. Incorporating barley groats can help improve glycemic control, increase satiety, and provide sustained energy, making them a valuable component of a balanced meal plan for GD.
How does Barley Groats affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The impact of barley groats on blood sugar is exceptionally mild for a grain. The soluble beta-glucan fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, which physically impedes the rapid breakdown of starches into sugar. This results in a very low glycemic index, often around 25, ensuring a slow and steady release of glucose into the bloodstream. Unlike some starches, the GI of barley is not dramatically altered by typical cooking methods, though it's best to cook them until tender but still chewy, rather than to a soft mush, to preserve their structure.
What is a safe portion of Barley Groats for gestational diabetes?
A sensible portion for managing gestational diabetes is about one-half to three-quarters of a cup of cooked barley groats. This amount provides substantial fiber and complex carbohydrates for energy without overloading your system. It is crucial to measure your portion after cooking, as grains expand significantly. Adhering to this portion size allows you to reap the benefits of this nutritious grain while keeping your blood sugar response well within your target range. Always monitor your individual response, as tolerance can vary slightly from person to person.
How should I combine Barley Groats to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To optimize blood sugar control, pair barley groats with a source of lean protein and healthy fat. For example, use them as a base for a salad with grilled chicken, chickpeas, and an olive oil vinaigrette. The protein and fat further slow stomach emptying, complementing the fiber's effect and enhancing satiety. Avoid serving them with other high-carb items in the same meal. Instead, combine them with a generous portion of non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to add volume and nutrients without a significant carbohydrate load.
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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