Gestational diabetes may often stem from undiagnosed prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, highlighting the importance of early screening in the first trimester. Current practices typically test in the second trimester, when insulin resistance peaks, but evaluating hemoglobin A1C and fasting blood sugar earlier could lead to timely interventions. The two-step testing process involving glucose solutions helps identify at-risk mothers, with alternative methods proving more effective in some regions.
