Which maternal condition is most commonly treated with insulin during pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes is the condition most commonly treated with insulin during pregnancy because it specifically refers to diabetes that develops during pregnancy, typically resolving after childbirth. This condition can arise when the hormones produced during pregnancy interfere with insulin's effectiveness, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

Insulin is the preferred treatment for gestational diabetes when dietary modifications and exercise are insufficient to control blood glucose levels. This is crucial because high blood glucose can have negative effects on both the mother and the developing fetus, including increased risk of complications during delivery and potential long-term health issues for the child.

While pre-existing diabetes can also be treated with insulin, it is distinct from gestational diabetes, which arises specifically during pregnancy. Gestational hypertension and hyperthyroidism do not generally require insulin as a standard treatment; their management typically involves other pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Therefore, gestational diabetes is characterized by the need for insulin therapy more so than the other listed conditions.