Final answer:
Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, typically in the third trimester, and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later on.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diabetes Condition During Pregnancy
The type of diabetes that forms during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes.
This condition occurs when there is a dysfunction in insulin production or cellular response to insulin during pregnancy, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
It is similar to diabetes mellitus, a broader category of endocrine disorders characterized by problems with the hormone insulin.
While most pregnant women undergo a glucose screening test between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, gestational diabetes usually develops during the third trimester and typically resolves after the birth of the baby.
However, it does increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
It's important for expectant mothers to manage gestational diabetes to prevent complications such as high birth weight and preterm birth.
Management strategies may include dietary changes, exercise, and insulin therapy if needed. Monitoring and controlling blood sugar during pregnancy is critical for the health of both the mother and the baby.