Gestational diabetes is diagnosed during which period of a woman's life?

• A. Before pregnancy
• B. During pregnancy
• C. After delivery
• D. During lactation

Answer: (B)

Gestational diabetes is a glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy. Hormones produced by the placenta raise insulin resistance, so if the pancreas can’t keep up with the higher insulin demand, blood glucose becomes elevated. That typically happens in the second trimester, and screening is usually done around 24–28 weeks gestation to catch it.

If diabetes is diagnosed before pregnancy or very early in pregnancy, that would be considered preexisting diabetes rather than gestational diabetes. After delivery, glucose levels often return to normal, though there is a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later, which is why postpartum glucose testing is commonly recommended. Lactation itself isn’t a period used to diagnose gestational diabetes.