What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes refers specifically to a temporary condition that develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. It occurs when a woman's body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of her pregnancy, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. This condition typically arises in the second or third trimester and is diagnosed through screening tests that measure blood sugar levels.

After the delivery of the baby, hormone levels that contributed to the insulin resistance generally return to normal, allowing the mother's blood sugar levels to normalize. While it is important to monitor and manage gestational diabetes during pregnancy to reduce risks to both the mother and the baby, it is not considered a chronic form of diabetes; it does not persist long-term in most cases.

Understanding that gestational diabetes is not an inherited condition like genetic disorders affecting the fetus or a form of diabetes that typically presents in childhood is critical for correct classification. Instead, it is specifically tied to the physiological changes occurring during pregnancy. Thus, this unique temporary nature of gestational diabetes is why the answer is that it is a condition that resolves after childbirth.