The World Health Organization has launched its first-ever global guidelines dedicated specifically to managing diabetes during pregnancy, a condition that affects approximately one in six pregnancies worldwide—equivalent to nearly 21 million women each year. These new recommendations present a comprehensive framework to reduce health risks for mothers and babies and to strengthen the quality of care delivered across diverse health systems.
Diabetes during pregnancy, when not properly managed, greatly increases the likelihood of severe complications such as pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, and birth-related injuries. Beyond the immediate risks, both mothers and their children face a significantly higher lifetime probability of developing type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic disorders. The impact of these conditions is particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries, where access to specialized care, diagnostics, and essential medicines can be limited.
The new WHO guidelines bring together evidence-based strategies tailored to the unique needs of pregnant women with diabetes. The document outlines 27 core recommendations, which emphasize individualized lifestyle counselling, clear blood glucose targets, regular monitoring through both clinic-based and home assessments, and precise treatment pathways for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. For women with pre-existing diabetes, the guidelines call for multidisciplinary, specialized care to ensure comprehensive support throughout pregnancy.
Released on World Diabetes Day 2025, the guidelines align with this year’s theme, “Diabetes across life stages,” highlighting the need for integrated care and supportive health systems throughout a person’s lifespan. With more than 800 million individuals currently living with diabetes globally, the condition remains one of the most pressing public health challenges, driving complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and limb amputations. Its rising prevalence, especially in resource-limited settings, underscores the urgency of coordinated global action.
By addressing diabetes as a lifelong condition and embedding care into routine antenatal services, WHO aims to strengthen maternal health systems, promote equitable access to treatment, and ensure that women everywhere receive high-quality, compassionate, and timely care.
