What condition is characterized by a resistance to insulin during pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes is specifically characterized by insulin resistance that occurs during pregnancy. This condition arises when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, particularly from the placenta, can interfere with the action of insulin, thereby causing this resistance. Typically, gestational diabetes develops during the second or third trimester and can affect both the mother and the developing fetus, making early detection and management important for ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

In contrast, types 1 and 2 diabetes refer to chronic conditions where the body either doesn’t produce insulin adequately (type 1) or is unable to use it effectively (type 2), neither of which are exclusive to pregnancy. Hypoglycemia, on the other hand, refers to low blood sugar levels and is not a type of diabetes but rather a condition that can arise in various circumstances, including diabetes treatment.