Nutrition per 100g
Bone Marrow for Gestational Diabetes
Bone marrow is the soft, fatty tissue found inside bones, prized for its rich, decadent flavor and nutrient density. Historically consumed for its health benefits, it has a buttery, slightly sweet taste and a gelatinous texture when cooked. It is primarily composed of fat, but also contains significant amounts of collagen, which breaks down into gelatin during cooking. Bone marrow is also a source of various micronutrients, including B vitamins like B12, riboflavin, and thiamine, as well as minerals such as iron and phosphorus. Its unique composition makes it a very calorie-dense food.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
0gIs Bone Marrow safe with gestational diabetes?
Bone marrow is an excellent food for gestational diabetes management due to its complete lack of carbohydrates, meaning it has no direct impact on blood sugar levels. Its high fat and protein content contribute to satiety, helping to prevent overeating of other, more carbohydrate-heavy foods. However, it is extremely calorie-dense, so portion control is essential to manage overall weight gain during pregnancy. The nutrients it provides, like B vitamins and healthy fats, are beneficial for both mother and baby, making it a valuable addition in moderation.
How does Bone Marrow affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
With a glycemic index of zero, bone marrow does not raise blood glucose. In fact, its high fat content can be beneficial by slowing down gastric emptying. When consumed as part of a mixed meal, this effect helps to blunt the blood sugar spike from any carbohydrates eaten alongside it. This makes it a strategic ingredient for stabilizing post-meal glucose readings. The key is to leverage this effect without consuming excessive calories, which could contribute to unwanted weight gain.
What is a safe portion of Bone Marrow for gestational diabetes?
Strict portion control is critical due to the high calorie and fat content. A suitable portion is about one to two tablespoons, which is roughly the amount of marrow from one small, 2-inch piece of bone. This small amount provides the rich flavor, satiety benefits, and blood sugar-stabilizing effects without contributing an excessive number of calories to your daily intake. Using it as a flavorful accent rather than the centerpiece of a meal is the most effective strategy for managing gestational diabetes.
How should I combine Bone Marrow to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To build a blood-sugar-friendly meal, pair a small portion of roasted bone marrow with high-fiber carbohydrates and non-starchy vegetables. Spread it on a slice of stone-ground whole-wheat or sourdough toast and top with a fresh parsley salad. Alternatively, mix a small amount into a lean protein dish like a stew or serve it alongside roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus. The fat from the marrow will slow the absorption of the carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual glucose response.
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.
By using this guide, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
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
Track your meals with SugarCurve
Log this food, track your blood sugar, and get personalized guidance — all in the app.
Start Free Trial →