Allergen Information
Contains: shellfish
Nutrition per 100g
Shrimp for Gestational Diabetes
Shrimp are decapod crustaceans that are among the most popular types of seafood consumed worldwide. They are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and firm, tender texture when cooked properly. Nutritionally, shrimp are an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein while being very low in calories and fat. They also provide significant amounts of essential nutrients, including selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Their versatility makes them a staple in various global cuisines, from Asian stir-fries to Mediterranean pastas.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
0.2gIs Shrimp safe with gestational diabetes?
Shrimp is an exceptional food choice for managing gestational diabetes due to its impressive nutritional profile. It is virtually carbohydrate-free, meaning it has a negligible impact on blood glucose levels. As a fantastic source of lean protein, it promotes satiety and helps maintain stable energy throughout the day. Furthermore, it provides essential nutrients like selenium and iodine, which are important for both maternal and fetal health. Its versatility allows for easy inclusion in a balanced, blood-sugar-conscious diet.
How does Shrimp affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
With a glycemic index of zero, shrimp does not cause a direct rise in blood sugar levels. The high protein content plays a crucial role in blood glucose management by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates from other foods consumed in the same meal. This blunting effect helps prevent sharp post-meal glucose spikes, making it a highly strategic food. Cooking methods like grilling or steaming are superior to breading and frying, which add unnecessary carbohydrates and fats that can complicate blood sugar control.
What is a safe portion of Shrimp for gestational diabetes?
A healthy and appropriate portion of shrimp is about a palm-sized amount, which equates to roughly 15-20 medium-sized shrimp. This serving provides a significant dose of protein to help with satiety and blood sugar stabilization without contributing excess calories. It is crucial to be mindful of preparation methods; opt for steamed, grilled, or boiled shrimp. Avoid creamy, sugary sauces or breaded coatings, as these can introduce hidden sugars and refined carbs that will negatively impact glucose control.
How should I combine Shrimp to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To build a balanced and blood-sugar-friendly meal, pair shrimp with high-fiber carbohydrates and non-starchy vegetables. Combine grilled shrimp with a quinoa salad, steamed broccoli, and a drizzle of olive oil. Another excellent option is a shrimp stir-fry loaded with bell peppers, snap peas, and mushrooms, served with a small portion of brown rice. The combination of lean protein from shrimp, fiber from vegetables, and healthy fats helps to ensure a slow, steady release of glucose into the bloodstream.
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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