Archive · 14 Nov 2025
WHO Releases First Guidelines for Diabetes in Pregnancy
Imagine you're having a baby, but your body has trouble using sugar, which is called diabetes.
This can happen during pregnancy and is not good for you or the baby.
It can make the mother very sick and also cause problems for the baby, even when they grow up.
So, the World Health Organization, which is a big global health group, made new rules for doctors to help pregnant people with diabetes.
These rules tell them what to eat, like lots of veggies and not too much fat or sugar.
They also say how important it is to stay active and move your body.
Doctors will also check blood sugar levels closely.
Following these rules can help keep both the mom and baby healthy and avoid serious problems.
WHO has released its first global guidelines for managing diabetes during pregnancy on World Diabetes Day 2025.
Diabetes in pregnancy affects 1 in 6 pregnancies worldwide, posing risks to mothers and children.
The guidelines focus on diet, physical activity, blood sugar targets, and personalized treatments.
Recommendations include a balanced diet with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and limited fats and sugars.
Pregnant individuals are advised to engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, along with strength training and stretching.
- Who
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- What
- Released the first global guidelines on managing diabetes during pregnancy.
- When
- On World Diabetes Day 2025
- Where
- Globally
- Why
- To provide specific, evidence-based strategies to prevent complications and improve health outcomes for mothers and babies affected by diabetes in pregnancy.
- Prevalence
- Affects 1 in 6 pregnancies globally (21 million women annually).
- Risks of Unmanaged Diabetes in Pregnancy
- Elevated risk of pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, birth injuries, and long-term cardiometabolic diseases for mother and child.
- WHO Guidelines Focus
- Diet, physical activity targets, blood sugar monitoring, and personalized treatment for type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
- Dietary Recommendations
- Prioritize whole grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses. Limit total fat to 30%, saturated fats below 10%, trans fats under 1%, and free sugars below 5-10%.
- Physical Activity Recommendations
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus resistance exercise and stretching. Continue pre-pregnancy habits if vigorous.
- Weight Management
- Achieving appropriate gestational weight gain relative to pre-pregnancy weight.
Sources
World Diabetes Day 2025: Desi Foods For Better Blood Sugar Levels
Gen Z Faces Diabetes Risk Due to Unhealthy Eating Habits
You cannot make this up — World Diabetes Day is also World Rosogolla Day
Manage blood sugar naturally: Start your day with a handful of almonds
Raising awareness about diabetes: Empowering for a healthier future
'No Such Thing As Diabetes Reversal'
WHO releases first-ever guidelines on diabetes in pregnancy on World Diabetes Day 2025: What to eat, how to stay active
