Final answer:
Gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that lead to insulin resistance. It is a complex condition that is not solely attributed to the dietary habits or caloric intake of the pregnant woman. Hormones from the placenta block the action of insulin, which can result in gestational diabetes if the pancreas cannot sufficiently compensate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should explain that gestational diabetes is primarily a result of the effects of hormonal changes during pregnancy. These hormonal changes can lead to insulin resistance, which in turn may cause high blood glucose levels. It is not necessarily related to the patient's diet or lifestyle. Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop, but they can also block the action of the mother's insulin in her body. This problem is called insulin resistance and makes it hard for the mother's body to use insulin. Gestational diabetes could happen when the pancreas can't make enough insulin to overcome this resistance.
Gestational diabetes is not caused by increased caloric intake or overconsumption of carbohydrates alone; rather, it is a complex condition influenced by several factors, including genetic predisposition and the pregnant woman's health status. While the demand for glucose doubles during the third trimester, this alone does not cause gestational diabetes but can exacerbate the condition if it's already present.
Therefore, in the context of a pregnant woman receiving a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, the nurse should attribute the condition to hormonal changes that are part of the pregnancy process and not necessarily the patient's health habits.