The first 1000 days of life are the period from when the fetus is formed in the womb until the child is two years old. This period is a golden period for child development. This moment is the right time to build a foundation for long-term health.
And one step is to reduce sugar intake. Why? Lisa O’Mary in her writing via WebMD explains that limiting sugar intake during pregnancy and the first 2 years of a child’s life can reduce the child’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 35 percent, according to new research.
The risk of high blood pressure was reduced by 20 percent. Reducing sugar intake during pregnancy and infancy has also been linked to a reduced risk of early obesity, although the relationship is less certain.
The first 1,000 days of life, which span from pregnancy to age 2, are critical for a child’s metabolic development. Limiting sugar intake during this period may provide long-term benefits to a child’s health.
The effect of sugar on fetal development
During pregnancy, excessive sugar consumption by the mother can affect the development of fetal metabolism. High blood sugar levels in pregnant women can cause the fetus to be exposed to high sugar levels, which can affect the development of organs that regulate sugar metabolism, such as the pancreas.
High sugar exposure in the womb can increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Therefore, it is important to consume a balanced diet, rich in fiber and other important nutrients.
Research shows that high sugar exposure in the womb can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
So, what is a healthy diet for pregnant women?
- – Limit consumption of sweet drinks, processed foods, and other high-sugar foods.
- – Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- – Choose sources of complex carbohydrates over simple carbohydrates
- – Pregnant women need to check their blood sugar levels regularly to detect gestational diabetes.
- – Regular physical activity and stress management are also important for maintaining metabolic health.
By paying attention to sugar intake since in the womb and implementing a healthy lifestyle, pregnant women can help protect their children from the risk of diabetes in adulthood.