Nutrition per 100g
Chicken Gizzards for Gestational Diabetes
Chicken gizzards are the muscular part of a chicken's stomach used for grinding up food. They are considered a delicacy in many cultures, prized for their firm, chewy texture and rich, savory flavor. Nutritionally, gizzards are a powerhouse, offering a very high concentration of protein with minimal fat and zero carbohydrates. They are also an excellent source of essential minerals like iron, which is vital for oxygen transport, and zinc, crucial for immune function. Additionally, they provide a significant amount of vitamin B12, necessary for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
0gIs Chicken Gizzards safe with gestational diabetes?
Chicken gizzards are an excellent choice for managing gestational diabetes due to their impressive nutritional profile. As a zero-carbohydrate food, they have no direct impact on blood sugar levels. Their high protein content is incredibly beneficial, as it promotes satiety and helps stabilize blood glucose by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates from other foods in the same meal. Furthermore, gizzards are a rich source of iron, which is particularly important during pregnancy to prevent anemia. This makes them a safe and smart addition to a GD-friendly diet.
How does Chicken Gizzards affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
With a glycemic index of zero, chicken gizzards do not cause any spike in blood glucose. The primary benefit for blood sugar management comes from their high protein content. When consumed as part of a mixed meal, the protein helps to blunt the glycemic response from any carbohydrates present. This means that pairing gizzards with a source of carbs will result in a more gradual and lower rise in blood sugar compared to eating the carbs alone. Cooking methods like boiling or stewing are best, as breading and frying would add unnecessary carbs and fats.
What is a safe portion of Chicken Gizzards for gestational diabetes?
A suitable portion of chicken gizzards is about the size of the palm of your hand. This amount provides a substantial serving of protein to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and keep you full, without being excessive in calories or cholesterol. It's crucial to focus on preparation methods that do not add carbohydrates or unhealthy fats. Opt for simmering, stewing, or grilling rather than deep-frying or coating in breadcrumbs. This ensures the meal remains low on the glycemic index and supports your overall health goals during pregnancy.
How should I combine Chicken Gizzards to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To build a balanced, blood-sugar-friendly meal, pair chicken gizzards with non-starchy, high-fiber vegetables. Excellent options include steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a large salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The fiber from the vegetables further aids in slowing sugar absorption. You can also include a small portion of a low-glycemic complex carbohydrate, such as a quarter cup of quinoa or a small piece of sweet potato. The combination of protein from the gizzards and fiber from the vegetables will create a highly stable and satisfying meal.
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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