Pregnancy safety
Limit how much Eel you eat during pregnancy
No more than one 115 g (4 oz) cooked serving a week.
Freshwater and American eel carry moderate methylmercury levels — above the low-mercury fish that can be eaten two to three times a week — so weekly intake should be capped during pregnancy.
This is about food safety in pregnancy, not blood sugar — it applies whatever your readings look like. Confirm it with your midwife or doctor.
Allergen Information
Contains: Fish
Nutrition per 100g
Eel for Gestational Diabetes
Eel is a nutrient-dense, fatty fish celebrated for its rich, unique flavor and firm yet tender texture. It is particularly popular in Japanese cuisine, where it is known as unagi and often served grilled and glazed. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and E, eel offers significant nutritional benefits, contributing to brain health and reducing inflammation. Its high fat content gives it a succulent quality that is prized by chefs worldwide. Due to its distinct taste, it stands out among other types of seafood.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
LimitBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
0gIs Eel safe with gestational diabetes?
Eel is an excellent choice for managing gestational diabetes due to its zero-carbohydrate content. Its high concentration of protein and omega-3 fatty acids supports stable blood sugar levels and contributes to fetal neural development. However, it's crucial to be mindful of the preparation method, as many common eel dishes involve sugary sauces. The primary concerns are portion control due to its high calorie density and ensuring the eel is from a low-mercury source. When prepared simply, it is a highly beneficial protein.
How does Eel affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
Plain, cooked eel has a glycemic index of zero and will not raise your blood sugar levels. The risk to blood glucose management comes almost exclusively from added ingredients, particularly sauces. For example, traditional unagi kabayaki is prepared with a 'tare' sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, which can cause a significant blood sugar spike. To avoid this, opt for steamed or plain grilled eel and season it yourself with GD-friendly options like tamari, lemon juice, or herbs.
What is a safe portion of Eel for gestational diabetes?
A suitable portion of eel is about the size and thickness of your palm or a deck of cards. This amount provides a substantial dose of high-quality protein and healthy fats without contributing excessive calories. Because eel is very rich and satiating, this portion is often sufficient to feel full and satisfied. Sticking to this visual guide helps manage overall calorie and fat intake, which is an important aspect of a healthy gestational diabetes diet plan. Always prioritize plain preparations over those with sugary glazes.
How should I combine Eel to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
Given that eel is a rich source of both protein and fat, it should be paired with high-fiber, non-starchy vegetables to create a balanced meal. This combination enhances satiety without adding carbohydrates. Excellent pairings include a large serving of steamed asparagus, a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, or sautéed spinach and mushrooms. Avoid pairing eel with large portions of refined carbohydrates like white rice; if a starch is desired, choose a very small portion of a high-fiber grain like quinoa.
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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