Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born. The placenta produces hormones that support the baby to grow and develop during pregnancy. These hormones also block the action of the mother’s insulin. This is called insulin resistance. The need for insulin in pregnancy may be 2 or 3 times higher than normal because of this insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes develops if the mother’s body is unable to produce the extra insulin.

After delivery the insulin requirements return to normal and the diabetes usually resolves.