Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat, Milk, Eggs
May contain: Soy, Sesame
Nutrition per 100g
Grains & Cereal › Bread and Baked Goods
Naan (plain, low sodium) for Gestational Diabetes
Naan is a leavened, oven-baked flatbread popular in South Asian cuisine, traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven. It has a distinctive soft, chewy texture with a slightly crisp exterior. This version is specifically noted as being low in sodium, making it a more heart-conscious choice compared to standard preparations. Despite being lower in salt, it retains its characteristic flavor and serves as a versatile accompaniment to many dishes. It is made from refined white flour, yeast, and often includes yogurt or milk to enhance its softness.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
highCarbs / 100 g
55gIs Naan (plain, low sodium) safe with gestational diabetes?
Naan bread presents a significant challenge for managing gestational diabetes due to its composition. Made from refined white flour, it has a high glycemic index, meaning it can cause a rapid and substantial increase in blood glucose levels. While this low-sodium version is better from a blood pressure perspective, its carbohydrate profile remains a primary concern. Careful portion control and strategic pairing are absolutely essential to incorporate it into a GD-friendly diet without disrupting blood sugar stability. It should be considered a small treat rather than a staple.
How does Naan (plain, low sodium) affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The high glycemic index of naan, typically around 71, is due to the finely milled white flour used in its preparation. This refined starch is quickly broken down into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a sharp blood sugar spike. The cooking method, baking at high heat in a tandoor, does not mitigate this effect. Even without added sugars, the carbohydrate density makes it a potent trigger for hyperglycemia if not managed carefully. The impact is immediate and requires proactive measures to control.
What is a safe portion of Naan (plain, low sodium) for gestational diabetes?
Strict portion control is non-negotiable when consuming naan with gestational diabetes. A safe serving size is very small, typically about one-quarter of a standard restaurant-sized piece. Visually, this is about the size of your palm. This limited portion provides the satisfaction of including bread with your meal while minimizing the carbohydrate load. Always prioritize filling your plate with protein and vegetables first, using the small piece of naan as a minor accompaniment to your main dish.
How should I combine Naan (plain, low sodium) to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To mitigate the blood sugar spike from naan, it is crucial to pair it with foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. These nutrients slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Excellent pairings include lentil dal, chicken or fish curry, or a large serving of non-starchy vegetables like spinach or okra. Avoid eating naan on its own or with other high-carb items like potatoes or rice. The goal is to use the naan as a small vehicle for the protein and fiber, not as the main component of the meal.
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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