What type of diabetes can develop during pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a specific type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy. It is characterized by glucose intolerance that is first recognized during pregnancy. This condition typically arises because the hormonal changes and physiological stress of pregnancy can affect how the body metabolizes glucose. As the pregnancy progresses, the placenta produces hormones that can contribute to insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed during routine screening in the second or third trimester and often resolves after childbirth. However, it is important to manage the condition effectively during pregnancy, as it can have implications for both the mother and the baby, including an increased risk of large birth weight, preterm birth, and developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and child.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are pre-existing conditions that can complicate a pregnancy but are not specifically linked to the pregnancy itself. Diabetes insipidus is unrelated to carbohydrate metabolism and primarily affects water balance in the body. Thus, gestational diabetes is the only option here that uniquely develops as a result of pregnancy-related changes.