Nutrition per 100g
Fruits & Vegetables › Vegetables
Chard for Gestational Diabetes
Chard, also known as Swiss chard, is a leafy green vegetable belonging to the same family as beets and spinach. It is prized for its vibrant, thick stalks which come in a variety of colors like red, yellow, and white, often sold as rainbow chard. The leaves are tender with a flavor profile that is milder and less bitter than kale, with an earthy taste similar to spinach. Chard is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and powerful plant compounds. It is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed both raw in salads or cooked in a wide range of dishes.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
3.7gIs Chard safe with gestational diabetes?
Chard is an exceptional choice for managing gestational diabetes due to its very low carbohydrate content and high nutrient density. It is packed with fiber, which aids in blood sugar regulation, and provides essential minerals like magnesium, which can help improve the body's insulin sensitivity. Including chard in your diet adds significant volume and nutrients to meals without impacting glucose levels negatively. Its versatility allows it to be easily incorporated into various dishes, making it a sustainable part of a GD-friendly eating plan.
How does Chard affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
With a very low glycemic index, chard has a minimal effect on blood sugar levels. The fiber present in both the leaves and stems slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates from the entire meal, preventing sharp glucose spikes. Cooking methods like steaming or sautéing in a healthy oil do not alter its favorable glycemic properties. Overcooking should be avoided to preserve its delicate texture and nutrient profile, but even when well-cooked, it remains a safe and beneficial food for blood sugar control.
What is a safe portion of Chard for gestational diabetes?
As a non-starchy vegetable, chard portions can be generous without concern for blood sugar. A typical serving could be one to two large handfuls of raw leaves or about one cup when cooked, which is a significant amount. The focus should be less on limiting the chard itself and more on ensuring the overall meal is balanced with adequate protein and healthy fats. Feel free to use chard to bulk up meals, adding fiber and nutrients without needing to worry about carbohydrate counting for this specific ingredient.
How should I combine Chard to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To create a balanced, blood-sugar-friendly meal, pair chard with a source of lean protein and healthy fats. For example, sauté chard with garlic and olive oil to serve alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or a lean cut of beef. The protein and fat further slow gastric emptying, promoting a very gradual rise in blood sugar and enhancing satiety. You can also add chard to egg scrambles or frittatas for a nutrient-dense breakfast that will keep you full and your glucose levels stable for hours.
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 →