The World Health Organization has released its first global guidelines for the management of diabetes during pregnancy which is an important moment for maternal and child health.
The condition affects about one in six pregnancies worldwide, placing roughly 21 million women at risk each year. This will provided a roadmap to prevent serious complications from diabetes for both women and their children
According to WHO, diabetes in pregnancy, if not managed effectively, significantly increases the risk of life-threatening conditions such as pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, and birth injuries.
“It also has long-term consequences, elevating the lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases for both mother and child.
“The burden is greatest in low- and middle-income countries, where access to specialized care and resources may be limited, yet the need is most acute,” WHO said in a statement on its website Friday.
The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, while reacting to the guidelines, said the guidelines offers preventive measures for women living with the condition.
“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,” he said.
This guidelines include 27 key recommendations, stating individualised care like advice on diet, physical activity, and blood sugar targets.
Other guidelines encourages all women with diabetes to have their blood glucose checked regularly, both during clinic visits and at home.
Personalised treatments like specific medication regimens for type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes when pharmacotherapy is required, and specialised support for multidisciplinary care for women with pre-existing diabetes were also included.
“The release of these guidelines marks a pivotal step in strengthening maternal health and combating noncommunicable diseases.
“They underscore the importance of integrating diabetes care into routine antenatal services and ensuring equitable access to essential medicines and technologies,” the statement added.
However, experts have explained that gestational diabetes refers to diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy and this can pose serious health problems, including pregnancy and delivery complications, as well as increased future risk for diabetes in both mother and child.
Prof. Anthonia Ogbera from College of Medicine, Lagos State University has said that it was necessary to screen every pregnant woman for diabetes during their first antenatal visit, noting that it is crucial to the early detection of the disease.
Ogbera also warned that if gestational diabetes is not detected on time, it could lead to complications in pregnancy, including the pregnant woman’s risk of stroke and kidney problems.
