Alternative Names & Classifications:
Gestational Diabetes (CLINICAL), Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (CLINICAL)
Description
Gestational diabetes occurs when placental hormones cause systemic insulin resistance in the mother, and her pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome it. This results in maternal hyperglycemia, which crosses the placenta and can cause excessive fetal growth. It typically develops in the second or third trimester and usually resolves after delivery, though it increases the lifelong risk for type 2 diabetes.