WHO’s First Global Guideline for Diabetes in Pregnancy
Introduction of Guidelines
On World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled its inaugural global guideline for managing diabetes in pregnancy. This guideline advocates for the use of metformin among women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and those experiencing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Core Recommendations
The guideline outlines several key recommendations for pregnant women with type 2 diabetes (T2D), which include:
– **Individualised lifestyle advice**
– **Insulin usage**
– **Blood glucose target setting**
– **Consistent monitoring** in both clinical and home settings
– **Structured medication pathways** for all diabetes types
– **Multidisciplinary support** for women with pre-existing diabetes
For women with GDM, specific recommendations are also provided.
Context in India
Prevalence of Diabetes
Globally, approximately 588 million people live with type 2 diabetes, with nearly 90 million affected in India. The early onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and higher mortality rates among Indian individuals with diabetes underscore the urgent need for standardized care. Furthermore, diabetes during pregnancy impacts about one in six pregnancies, affecting around 21 million women each year, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive clinical guidance.
Expert Insights
Dr. Soumik Goswami, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Endocrinology at NRS Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata, emphasized that the WHO guideline serves as a timely and evidence-based framework for managing diabetes during pregnancy. He noted the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes and young-onset diabetes, stressing the importance of integrating lifestyle measures, regular glucose monitoring, and clear initiation pathways for insulin and metformin into routine antenatal care. This approach aims to ensure safer glycemic control for both mothers and their babies.
Dr. Hardik Chauhan from Lotus Women’s Hospital in Ahmedabad also recognized diabetes during pregnancy as a significant public health issue in India, where the prevalence of GDM is noted to be 13%, with a conversion rate from GDM to T2DM at 29.9%. He pointed out that the WHO guideline will assist policymakers, obstetricians, endocrinologists, and primary-care teams in establishing standardized care pathways, enhancing health-worker training, and facilitating equitable access to essential medications and monitoring tools.
Conclusion
The new WHO guideline presents standardized, evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving the management of diabetes during pregnancy. By doing so, it seeks to reduce maternal and neonatal risks associated with the condition. Implementing these recommendations can contribute to a more woman-centered approach to maternal health, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for mothers and their children.