Allergen Information
May contain: sulfites
Nutrition per 100g
Fruits & Vegetables › Dried Fruits
Dried Figs for Gestational Diabetes
Dried figs are the result of dehydrating fresh figs, a process that concentrates their natural sugars and nutrients. This gives them a rich, sweet flavor and a dense, chewy texture with a satisfying crunch from the seeds. They are a potent source of dietary fiber, as well as essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Due to their concentrated sweetness, they are often used as a natural sweetener in various recipes. While nutritious, their high sugar and calorie content means they should be consumed in moderation.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
highCarbs / 100 g
63.9gIs Dried Figs safe with gestational diabetes?
Dried figs are generally not recommended for managing gestational diabetes due to their high concentration of sugar. The dehydration process removes water, leaving behind a dense source of carbohydrates and calories in a very small package. While they do offer beneficial fiber, the rapid and significant impact on blood glucose levels often outweighs this benefit. Careful and strict portion control is absolutely essential if you choose to include them in your diet. They should be considered more of a candy-like treat than a fruit serving.
How does Dried Figs affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
With a medium-to-high glycemic index of around 61, dried figs can cause a sharp and rapid increase in blood sugar levels. The sugars, primarily fructose and glucose, are readily available for absorption, especially since the fruit's structure is already broken down. Unlike fresh figs, the sugar concentration is much higher per gram, leading to a significant glycemic load even with a small portion. Consuming them without a buffering food can easily lead to post-meal hyperglycemia, making them a risky choice for blood sugar management.
What is a safe portion of Dried Figs for gestational diabetes?
A maximum portion of dried figs should be extremely small, limited to one or at most two small pieces. This equates to a very modest serving, visually about the size of a couple of large walnuts. This strict limit is necessary to manage the high sugar load and prevent a significant blood sugar spike. Think of it as a way to add a hint of sweetness to another food, rather than a snack in itself. Always pair this small amount with a source of protein or fat to mitigate the glycemic impact.
How should I combine Dried Figs to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
If you choose to eat dried figs, it is critical to pair them with foods rich in protein and healthy fats to slow down glucose absorption. Never eat them on their own as a snack. A good strategy is to chop one small fig and mix it into a bowl of full-fat Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Another effective pairing is to have one or two figs alongside a handful of walnuts or almonds. This combination of fiber from the fig and fat and protein from the nuts helps to create a more stable and blunted blood sugar 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.
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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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