What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is indeed a type of diabetes that typically arises during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. During pregnancy, the body undergoes various hormonal changes that can influence insulin production and utilization, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. This condition generally develops in the second or third trimester and may affect both the mother and the unborn child.

After delivery, many women find that their blood sugar levels return to normal, and they might no longer need to manage diabetes. However, having gestational diabetes does increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, which is an important consideration for long-term health monitoring.

The other options do not accurately describe gestational diabetes. It is not a permanent condition (as indicated in the first choice) nor is it limited to older adults (as suggested by the third choice), and while physical inactivity can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes specifically relates to pregnancy and is influenced by a combination of hormonal factors and how the body processes glucose during that time.