Final answer:
Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, is similar to type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance. Management includes diet, exercise, and possibly medication or insulin. It requires careful monitoring to ensure the wellbeing of the mother and child.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that manifests during pregnancy in women without a previous diabetes diagnosis. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas does not produce insulin, gestational diabetes is akin to type 2 diabetes where the body becomes resistant to insulin, although there is often still some insulin production. The primary difference, however, is that gestational diabetes is specifically related to the physiological changes in pregnancy.
Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial disorder characterized by insulin resistance and an often subsequent impaired insulin secretion. Risk factors include obesity and high blood pressure. With over 90% of diabetes cases accounted for by type 2 diabetes, it is the most prevalent form of diabetes. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise greatly influence its management, with medication playing a role in cases where lifestyle changes are insufficient.
Gestational diabetes requires monitoring and management to protect both the pregnant woman and her developing baby. A diagnosis is based on high levels of blood glucose, or hyperglycemia. Management may include dietary changes, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, and in some cases, medication or insulin therapy.