WHO issues first global guidelines on diabetes in pregnancy
The new guidelines aim to reduce health risks for both mothers and babies by providing clear, evidence-based strategies for care.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published its first comprehensive global guidance on managing diabetes during pregnancy, a condition affecting an estimated 21 million women each year, or roughly one in six pregnancies.
The new guidelines aim to reduce health risks for both mothers and babies by providing clear, evidence-based strategies for care.
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The recommendations include 27 measures that emphasise personalised monitoring, regular blood glucose checks, tailored treatment plans, and support from healthcare teams.
Diabetes in pregnancy can increase the likelihood of pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, birth injuries, and long-term heart and metabolic problems for mothers and their children, with the heaviest impact seen in low- and middle-income countries.
“WHO has long had guidance on diabetes and guidance on pregnancy, but this is the first time we have issued a specific standard of care for managing diabetes during pregnancy. These guidelines are grounded in the realities of women’s lives and health needs, and provide clear, evidence-based strategies to deliver high-quality care for every woman, everywhere,’ WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
The guidance encourages the integration of diabetes care into routine antenatal services and calls for equitable access to essential medications and technologies.
WHO hopes this approach will standardise care, improve maternal and infant outcomes, and reduce the long-term impact of diabetes on families.
The timing of the release coincides with World Diabetes Day, which this year focuses on “Diabetes across life stages,” highlighting the importance of continuous care from childhood to adulthood.
Globally, diabetes affects over 800 million people and remains a leading cause of heart disease, kidney problems, blindness, and limb loss.
WHO stresses that these guidelines are part of a broader effort to strengthen maternal health, prevent diabetes, and promote lifelong well-being.
By providing clear directions, the organisation aims to help health systems deliver safe and effective care to every pregnant woman, regardless of location.
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