What type of diabetes affects women during pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes that specifically arises during pregnancy. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased needs of both the mother and the growing fetus. This condition is temporary and usually resolves after childbirth; however, it does increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for the mother.

Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed before a woman's pregnancy and results from an autoimmune response that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. While type 2 diabetes can occur in pregnant women, it generally refers to a pre-existing condition rather than one that is induced by pregnancy itself. Reactive diabetes, which isn't commonly recognized as a specific type of diabetes, generally refers to blood sugar level fluctuations triggered by food intake or stress, rather than a condition directly linked to pregnancy. Thus, gestational diabetes is the most appropriate answer, highlighting its unique association with maternity.