Pregnancy safety
Limit how much Tuna you eat during pregnancy
No more than two 140 g servings of canned light or skipjack tuna a week, or one serving of albacore, fresh or yellowfin tuna; bigeye tuna should be avoided altogether.
Tuna carries enough methylmercury that pregnancy guidance caps it by species and by week, because methylmercury crosses the placenta and can affect fetal brain development.
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
Tuna for Gestational Diabetes
Tuna is a saltwater fish renowned for its versatility and robust nutritional profile, particularly its high protein and omega-3 fatty acid content. It is a member of the mackerel family and includes several species like skipjack, albacore, and yellowfin, each with distinct textures and flavors. Available fresh, frozen, or canned, tuna is a global dietary staple enjoyed in a vast array of culinary preparations. Its lean protein makes it an excellent choice for muscle building and satiety, while its omega-3s support heart and brain health. Different forms of tuna offer varied culinary uses, from raw sushi to cooked steaks and canned salads.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
LimitBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
0gIs Tuna safe with gestational diabetes?
Tuna is a superior choice for a gestational diabetes meal plan because it is a zero-carbohydrate, high-protein food. This composition ensures it will not cause a spike in blood glucose levels, making it highly effective for blood sugar management. However, mercury content is a critical safety consideration during pregnancy, so it's vital to choose low-mercury varieties. Canned light tuna and skipjack are safer options compared to albacore (white) tuna. Including tuna in your diet provides essential omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which are beneficial for fetal development.
How does Tuna affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
With a glycemic index of zero, tuna has no direct impact on blood sugar levels, making it an exceptionally safe food for gestational diabetes. The high protein content slows down digestion, which helps to stabilize blood sugar by blunting the glycemic response of any carbohydrates consumed in the same meal. This quality prevents the rapid glucose spikes and subsequent crashes that can be challenging to manage. Incorporating tuna into meals promotes a gradual release of energy and sustained satiety, which is key for maintaining stable glucose control throughout the day.
What is a safe portion of Tuna for gestational diabetes?
Due to mercury concerns during pregnancy, it is recommended to limit tuna consumption to a maximum of two servings per week. A single serving is considered to be about the size of the palm of your hand or one standard drained can of tuna. This portion provides a substantial amount of protein to support your dietary needs without exceeding the safe limit for mercury exposure. Always prioritize low-mercury tuna, such as canned light or skipjack, over higher-mercury options like albacore or bigeye tuna to ensure safety for both you and your baby.
How should I combine Tuna to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To build a balanced, blood-sugar-friendly meal, pair tuna with high-fiber carbohydrates and healthy fats. For instance, mix tuna into a salad with quinoa or chickpeas, or serve it with whole-grain crackers. A classic tuna salad can be made healthier by using Greek yogurt or avocado instead of traditional mayonnaise, which also adds protein and healthy fats. Serving a tuna steak with a large portion of non-starchy vegetables, like steamed green beans or a leafy green salad with an olive oil vinaigrette, creates a complete meal that supports stable blood sugar.
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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