Allergen Information
May contain: Birch Pollen
Nutrition per 100g
Lychee for Gestational Diabetes
Lychee is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, known for its bumpy, reddish-pink outer shell and sweet, translucent white flesh. It has a unique floral and fragrant flavor profile, often compared to a mix of grape, pear, and watermelon. The fruit surrounds a single, large, inedible seed. Lychees are a very good source of Vitamin C, providing more than the daily requirement in a single serving, and also contain beneficial amounts of copper and potassium. They are primarily composed of water and carbohydrates, making them a hydrating but sugary treat.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
mediumCarbs / 100 g
16.5gIs Lychee safe with gestational diabetes?
Lychees can be included in a gestational diabetes diet, but only with extreme caution and strict portion control. While they offer Vitamin C and other nutrients, their high concentration of natural sugars poses a significant risk for blood glucose spikes. The fruit has a moderate glycemic index, meaning it raises blood sugar more slowly than high-GI foods, but the total sugar content is substantial. Careful planning is essential to incorporate lychees without negatively impacting glycemic control, making them a food to be eaten infrequently.
How does Lychee affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The primary concern with lychees is their high sugar content, with over 15 grams of sugar per 100-gram serving. This carbohydrate load can quickly elevate blood glucose levels, especially since the fiber content is relatively low and offers little buffer to slow sugar absorption. Canned lychees in syrup must be completely avoided, as they have a much higher glycemic impact and added sugars. Sticking to fresh, whole lychees is the only viable option, and consumption must be carefully measured and accounted for in your daily carbohydrate allowance.
What is a safe portion of Lychee for gestational diabetes?
A maximum portion for managing gestational diabetes should be a small handful, equivalent to about eight to ten individual lychees. This serving size must be carefully counted as part of your total carbohydrate budget for the meal or snack. It is strongly advised to test your blood sugar after consumption to understand your personal tolerance. Due to the high sugar risk, it's best to treat this as your entire fruit portion for that meal and avoid combining it with other carbohydrate sources.
How should I combine Lychee to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To mitigate the risk of a blood sugar spike, never eat lychees on their own. It is crucial to pair them with a source of protein and healthy fat to slow down the digestion and absorption of the fruit's sugars. Good pairing options include a small handful of almonds, a serving of full-fat plain Greek yogurt, or a few slices of cheese. This strategy helps to create a more balanced snack and promotes more stable blood glucose levels post-consumption. Always consume as part of a meal or a well-balanced snack, not as a standalone treat.
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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