Final answer:
Gestational diabetes is characterized by being induced during pregnancy, involving abnormal glucose levels, and leading to the risk of complications.
It differs from the autoimmune type 1 diabetes and the more common type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to insulin resistance. Successful management involves blood glucose monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the classifications provided for diabetes, the characteristics that best describe gestational diabetes are Pregnancy-Induced, Abnormal Glucose Levels, Risk of Complications. Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born.
However, it can lead to health risks for both the mother and child, such as an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system destroys insulin-secreting beta cells, or type 2 diabetes, which is often due to insulin resistance, gestational diabetes specifically occurs during pregnancy and involves abnormal glucose levels that can affect the pregnancy and the baby's health.
Management of gestational diabetes typically involves monitoring blood glucose levels, adopting a healthy diet, exercising, and in some cases, using insulin or other medications to control blood sugar levels. The goal is to protect both maternal and fetal health by preventing the complications associated with high blood sugar during pregnancy.