Allergen Information
May contain: sulfites
Nutrition per 100g
Fruits & Vegetables › Dried Fruits
Dried Dates for Gestational Diabetes
Dried dates are the dehydrated fruit of the date palm tree, resulting in a sweet, chewy, and caramel-like treat. Through the drying process, the sugars become highly concentrated, making them a dense source of natural energy. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and various antioxidants. Despite their health benefits, their high sugar and calorie content means they should be consumed in moderation. Dates are commonly eaten on their own, stuffed, or used as a natural sweetener in various recipes.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
highCarbs / 100 g
75gIs Dried Dates safe with gestational diabetes?
Dried dates are generally not recommended for gestational diabetes management due to their extremely high concentration of natural sugars. The dehydration process removes water, leaving behind a dense source of carbohydrates that can cause a rapid and significant rise in blood glucose levels. While they do contain fiber, it is often insufficient to counteract the large sugar load in a typical portion. If consumed, it must be done with extreme caution, in very small quantities, and as part of a carefully balanced meal.
How does Dried Dates affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The glycemic impact of dried dates is high. Although their glycemic index (GI) can be in the moderate range, their glycemic load (GL) is high for even a small serving because of the sheer amount of sugar packed into a small volume. This means that eating just a few dates can deliver a large dose of sugar to your bloodstream very quickly. This rapid influx of glucose is precisely what needs to be avoided to maintain stable blood sugar levels during pregnancy and prevent hyperglycemic events.
What is a safe portion of Dried Dates for gestational diabetes?
Portion control is absolutely critical; a safe portion is limited to one, or at most two, small dried dates. This small amount should be considered your entire carbohydrate serving for that snack or part of a meal, not an addition. Think of a single date as a small piece of candy rather than a piece of fruit. Visually, this is a very small amount and it is crucial to adhere to this limit to prevent a significant and undesirable spike in your blood sugar.
How should I combine Dried Dates to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
Strict pairing is non-negotiable if you choose to eat a date. To mitigate the blood sugar spike, a single date must be paired with a significant source of healthy fat and protein. Excellent pairing options include a small handful of walnuts or almonds, or a generous spoonful of unsweetened peanut or almond butter. The fat and protein slow down gastric emptying and the subsequent absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Never consume dates on their own as a snack.
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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