Why you need to know about WHO’s new global diabetes-in-pregnancy guidelines released on World Diabetes Day

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by WHO, click this post to read the original article.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guidelines specifically focused on managing diabetes during pregnancy, a condition that impacts one in six pregnancies—around 21 million women each year. These new recommendations aim to reduce the risks associated with unmanaged diabetes in pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, and birth injuries, which can have long-term effects on both mother and child, including a higher lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes and other chronic health issues.

If you’re a healthcare provider or someone affected by diabetes in pregnancy, these guidelines offer you actionable steps grounded in real-life needs. They highlight the importance of individualized care plans, advising on diet, physical activity, and tailored blood sugar targets. Regular glucose monitoring is essential, both in clinical settings and at home, and treatment plans should be specific to the type of diabetes—whether it’s type 1, type 2, or gestational. For women who have pre-existing diabetes, multidisciplinary support is encouraged to manage the condition effectively.

The guidelines also stress the need to make diabetes care a routine part of pregnancy services, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where access to specialized care can be limited. By introducing 27 key recommendations, WHO is urging global healthcare systems to ensure equitable access to essential medicines and diagnostics for all women, regardless of where they live.

Released on World Diabetes Day 2025, the guidelines align with this year’s theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages.” This emphasizes that care should be continuous and inclusive, supporting people of all ages living with diabetes. As someone concerned with or affected by diabetes, it’s a call to action for integrated care, supportive policies, and a lifelong approach to managing this growing health challenge.