Gestational diabetes is a condition that is exclusive to pregnant women. In some pregnancies the hormone insulin is hindered from performing adequately because of hormones in the placenta.
Consequently, blood glucose (sugar) levels can rise. This hindrance of insulin is called insulin resistance.
As a result of insulin resistance, glucose can't be transformed into energy and remains in the blood. Glucose continues to build in the blood, causing hyperglycemia.
According to Diabetes.niddk.nih.gov, three to eight pregnant women out of every 100 in the United States will have gestational diabetes.
Some women are at greater risk of gestational diabetes than others. If you are over 25 during pregnancy, you are at higher risk.
If you have a family history of diabetes, or if you have high blood pressure, you may be at higher risk for gestational diabetes. If you've had an unexplained stillbirth or miscarriage, you may be at risk.
https://www.empowher.com/gestational-diabetes/content/gestational-diabetes-women-only