Which term describes glucose intolerance during pregnancy?

• A. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
• B. Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• C. Hyperglycemia of pregnancy
• D. Chronic hypertension

Answer: (A)

Glucose intolerance that begins or is first recognized during pregnancy is gestational diabetes mellitus. It arises from pregnancy-related hormonal changes that cause insulin resistance, typically picked up with screening in the second trimester using an oral glucose tolerance test. This label specifically describes the condition that starts during pregnancy, distinguishing it from preexisting types like type 2 diabetes mellitus. Some broader terms like hyperglycemia of pregnancy exist, but they’re not the precise diagnostic category used for the glucose intolerance seen specifically in pregnancy. Chronic hypertension has no direct relation to glucose control.