What is gestational diabetes characterized by?

Gestational diabetes is characterized by glucose intolerance that develops during pregnancy. This condition typically arises when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands during this period, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. It is important to recognize that gestational diabetes usually occurs around the second or third trimester of pregnancy and resolves after delivery for most women.

The condition is significant because it can affect both the mother’s and the baby’s health if not managed appropriately. Mothers with gestational diabetes face a higher risk for complications such as hypertension or the need for cesarean delivery, while the baby may experience issues like excessive birth weight or risks associated with prematurity.

Understanding that gestational diabetes is specifically tied to pregnancy helps differentiate it from other types of diabetes or insulin-related issues, reinforcing why it is classified as glucose intolerance during this unique physiological state.