What is the defining characteristic of gestational diabetes?

The defining characteristic of gestational diabetes is insulin resistance. This condition typically occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to overcome the insulin resistance caused by hormonal changes. As the placenta develops, it releases hormones that can lead to increased levels of glucose in the bloodstream, while the increased insulin production may not be sufficient to keep up with this elevated glucose level.

In gestational diabetes, the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, which is necessary for regulating blood sugar levels. Therefore, insulin resistance is a key factor that distinguishes gestational diabetes from other types of diabetes, where issues might arise from insufficient insulin production or other mechanisms.

Other options do not accurately reflect the primary issue in gestational diabetes. The condition is not characterized by excessive weight loss during pregnancy, which would be abnormal and indicative of other health issues. Low blood sugar levels are also not a feature of gestational diabetes; rather, the problem is high blood sugar resulting from insulin resistance. Increased insulin production can occur, but it is in response to insulin resistance rather than a defining characteristic of the condition itself.