Final answer:
The frequent hunger mentioned by the nurse can be due to inadequate insulin production or ineffective insulin leading to low blood sugar levels and increased insulin resistance resulting in cells being unable to use available glucose, thus signaling the body to eat more for energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the nurse explains to the pregnant mother that she might be hungry frequently because the sugar isn't getting into the tissues the way it should, this could be indicative of inadequate insulin production leading to low blood sugar levels. During pregnancy, there is an increased demand for glucose and in cases such as gestational diabetes or abnormal regulation of blood sugar, the glucose which would typically be absorbed by the cells with the help of insulin is left circulating in the blood. This situation is described as 'starving in a sea of plenty,' where despite high blood glucose levels, cells don't receive the glucose they require, leading to feelings of hunger as the body signals a need for more energy.
Insulin is the hormone responsible for the uptake of glucose into the cells, and during pregnancy, the hormonal environment can change significantly, potentially affecting insulin's effectiveness. Increased insulin resistance during this time can lead to gestational diabetes, where despite the presence of glucose in the blood, cells can't use it effectively, thus the body responds as though it is in a state of starvation, prompting increased hunger to get more energy.