Allergen Information
May contain: sulfites
Nutrition per 100g
Fruits & Vegetables › Dried Fruits
Dried Plums for Gestational Diabetes
Dried plums, commonly known as prunes, are renowned for their dense nutritional profile and natural laxative effects. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin K, and various antioxidants. This combination supports digestive health, bone density, and cardiovascular function. However, they are also very high in natural sugars and contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that contributes to their digestive effects. Their concentrated nature means that both nutrients and calories are packed into a small serving size.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
mediumCarbs / 100 g
64gIs Dried Plums safe with gestational diabetes?
Dried plums are a challenging food for gestational diabetes management due to their extremely high concentration of natural sugars. While they offer beneficial fiber, which can help slow digestion, the sheer amount of carbohydrates in a small portion poses a significant risk for blood sugar spikes. Their low glycemic index is misleading because the glycemic load can quickly become high. Therefore, they should be consumed with extreme caution and in very limited quantities, if at all, and always as part of a balanced meal.
How does Dried Plums affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
Despite a low GI of around 29, the blood sugar impact of dried plums can be substantial. This is because they are dehydrated, concentrating about 38 grams of sugar per 100g serving. The fiber and sorbitol content can slightly slow the absorption of these sugars, but a serving larger than two or three pieces can easily overwhelm your glucose management capacity. The rapid influx of fructose and glucose can lead to a sharp and sustained increase in blood sugar levels, making portion control absolutely critical for stability.
What is a safe portion of Dried Plums for gestational diabetes?
A strict portion limit is non-negotiable when managing gestational diabetes. The maximum recommended serving is two to three small dried plums, which equates to roughly 30 grams. This small amount provides some fiber and nutrients without delivering an unmanageable sugar load. Visually, this is a very small handful. It is crucial to monitor your blood sugar closely after consumption to understand your personal tolerance, as individual responses can vary significantly.
How should I combine Dried Plums to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
If you choose to include a very small portion of dried plums, it is essential to pair them strategically to blunt the glucose response. Combine one or two dried plums with a source of high-quality protein and healthy fat. Good examples include pairing them with a handful of walnuts or almonds, a slice of full-fat cheese, or a serving of plain Greek yogurt. This combination slows down gastric emptying and the subsequent absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to prevent a sharp spike.
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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