Which factor is considered a risk for developing gestational diabetes?

Maternal obesity prior to pregnancy is a significant risk factor for developing gestational diabetes. Obesity can lead to insulin resistance, which impairs the body's ability to properly use insulin and maintain normal blood glucose levels. During pregnancy, hormonal changes further increase insulin resistance, making women with pre-existing obesity more susceptible to elevated blood sugar levels that characterize gestational diabetes.

While smoking, low vitamin D levels, and advanced maternal age can also be related to various pregnancy complications, they are not as directly associated with gestational diabetes as maternal obesity is. In particular, maternal obesity has been extensively studied and established as a primary risk factor for this condition, underlining the importance of maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.