Allergen Information
May contain: sulfites
Nutrition per 100g
Fruits & Vegetables › Dried Fruits
Dried Prunes for Gestational Diabetes
Dried prunes, which are simply dried plums, are renowned for their dense nutritional profile and natural laxative effects. They possess a sweet, deep flavor and a chewy, sticky texture, making them a popular snack and ingredient. Prunes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, particularly insoluble fiber, and contain sorbitol, which contributes to their digestive benefits. They are also packed with essential nutrients, including potassium, vitamin K, and various antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body, supporting overall health and wellness.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
mediumCarbs / 100 g
64gIs Dried Prunes safe with gestational diabetes?
Dried prunes must be approached with significant caution when managing gestational diabetes due to their high concentration of natural sugars. Although they are a source of fiber, their energy-dense nature means even a small portion contains a substantial amount of carbohydrates. This can pose a significant risk for blood sugar spikes if not carefully managed within a balanced meal plan. While they have a low glycemic index, the total sugar load is the primary concern for blood glucose control during pregnancy.
How does Dried Prunes affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The glycemic index (GI) of prunes is surprisingly low at 29, primarily because their fiber and sorbitol content slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. However, this does not mean they can be eaten freely, as their glycemic load (GL) can quickly become moderate to high with larger portions. The high total sugar content in a small volume can easily overwhelm the body's ability to manage glucose, leading to a sharp and sustained rise in blood sugar levels if portion sizes are not strictly adhered to.
What is a safe portion of Dried Prunes for gestational diabetes?
A safe and appropriate portion size for dried prunes is extremely limited, consisting of no more than two to three small pieces. This small quantity, weighing approximately 30 grams, provides the benefits of fiber without delivering an excessive carbohydrate load. It is crucial to count this towards your total carbohydrate allowance for the meal. Prune juice should be avoided entirely, as it lacks fiber and provides a highly concentrated dose of sugar that will rapidly increase blood glucose.
How should I combine Dried Prunes to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To mitigate the glycemic impact of prunes, it is essential to pair them with foods rich in protein and healthy fats. Consuming a couple of prunes alongside a small handful of walnuts or almonds, a slice of cheese, or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt is highly recommended. These pairings slow down digestion and the subsequent release of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to prevent a rapid glucose spike. Never consume prunes on their own as a snack; always incorporate them into a balanced meal or 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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