By Russ George
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, and can impact both the mother and baby. It’s characterized by high blood sugar levels that may not cause noticeable symptoms initially.
While typically resolving after delivery, it can increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby, and also elevate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for the mother.
Gestational diabetes occurs when the body can’t produce enough insulin or use it effectively during pregnancy, leading to high blood sugar.
Gestational diabetes often appears in the second half of pregnancy, typically between 24 and 28 weeks, although screening may be done earlier for women at higher risk.
Gestational diabetes happens when pregnancy hormones interfere with insulin’s effectiveness, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar.
High blood sugar in the mother can cross the placenta and affect the baby’s blood sugar levels, potentially leading to a larger-than-normal baby, breathing difficulties, or low blood sugar after birth.
Gestational diabetes is managed through lifestyle changes, like dietary adjustments, exercise, and in some cases, medication like insulin may be needed to control blood sugar levels.
Women who have gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, so regular follow-up testing is recommended after pregnancy.
Symptoms of gestational diabetes: Frequent urination, increased thirst, feeling tired or lethargic, blurred vision, nausea, dry mouth, and unusually strong cravings for sweets.
Diet and exercise, along with a healthy eating plan and engaging in regular physical activity are crucial for managing blood sugar.
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley members will be at the Aurora Farmers Market, first ever, “Christmas in July”, Saturday morning, July 12, on Water Street, between Benton and Downer, in downtown Aurora, from 8 a.m. to noon. The DCFV tent will be decorated, we’ll have a toy box full of small toys for children to choose from, while members will be handing out information on prediabetes, diabetes and healthy eating.
Members of the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley work together, to raise an awareness of diabetes, and prediabetes, in the Fox Valley area, while raising funds to provide aid, education, and research to find a cure for diabetes.
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley meets monthly, on the second Wednesday of each month, January through November, at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street, in North Aurora. Optional Dinner on member’s own at 5:30 p.m. and meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.. Guests are always welcome!
The Diabetes Club of Fox Valley is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, a true grassroots organization, where all monies raised through dues, donations and fundraising is used in our Club’s fight against diabetes.
Tax deductible donations can be made on our website: diabeteshelpnearme.com or mail your tax deductible donation to: Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, P.O. Box 88, North Aurora, IL 60542.
Why not join our fight against diabetes? You don’t need to be diabetic to be a member of our club! Plan on attending one of our meetings or events, guests are always welcome! Yearly individual membership dues are $50. Corporate Dues are $150 per year, which includes a sponsorship listing on our club’s website: www.diabeteshelpnearme.com
Have questions about the Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, please call, text or send an E-mail to club president, Russ George, 630-205-9065 or send Email: Diabetesclubfv@gmail.com
Please continue to keep informed about our club’s upcoming events, by following us in The Voice, on Facebook, and on our website: diabeteshelpnearme.com.