Which of the following is a characteristic associated with gestational diabetes?

• A. Excellent glycemic control with stable oral microbiota
• B. Poor glycemic control and an oral microbiota shift (symbiosis dysbiosis)
• C. Hyperglycemia only in the first trimester
• D. No changes in microbiota

Answer: (B)

Gestational diabetes stems from pregnancy‑related insulin resistance that leads to higher blood glucose levels. When glycemic control is poor, the excess glucose can alter the oral environment, promoting a shift in the microbial community toward dysbiosis. This means an imbalance with more potentially harmful bacteria and inflammatory signals in the mouth. The combination of poor glycemic control and an oral microbiota shift best fits what’s known about gestational diabetes, whereas excellent control or no microbiota changes would not align with this condition. Hyperglycemia in gestational diabetes is not confined to the first trimester, which is another point that makes the other options less accurate.