WHO Will Update Pregnancy Hyperglycemia Guidelines in 2026
The World Health Organization will revise international standards for diagnosing high blood sugar during pregnancy.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Diabetes
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The World Health Organization plans to release updated recommendations on managing hyperglycaemia during pregnancy in 2026. This review aims to improve health outcomes for the 21 million live births affected by the condition annually.
Why it matters
New evidence on screening and diagnostic approaches has prompted this update to better address the global burden of pregnancy-related diabetes. These revisions will clarify clinical standards to support both maternal and infant health.
The review process addresses hyperglycaemia affecting one in six live births annually, building upon diagnostic guidance last significantly revised in 2013. The Guideline Development Group will evaluate current evidence to determine if updated diagnostic thresholds are necessary.
The players
World Health Organization
An international agency responsible for coordinating global public health and establishing evidence-based clinical guidelines.
The details
The World Health Organization uses a Guideline Development Group to examine the latest research on how blood glucose levels fluctuate during gestation. By reviewing screening and classification protocols, the group aims to refine how clinicians identify and categorize hyperglycaemia to improve long-term outcomes. Members are currently undergoing a conflict-of-interest review process to ensure the impartiality of the recommendations.
Timeline
2013: Original diagnostic criteria for hyperglycaemia were published.
November 2025: WHO published initial recommendations on diabetes in pregnancy.
October 20-24, 2026: Guideline Development Group meeting will occur.
2026: Updated recommendations will be released.
Health Landscape
This initiative follows the established practice of the WHO Guideline Development Group to systematically update clinical diagnostic criteria as new evidence emerges. It represents the next step in the historical arc of refining how healthcare providers identify and manage gestational diabetes globally.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, these upcoming changes may influence how your provider screens for blood sugar levels. It is worth discussing with your doctor how current diagnostic practices are applied and if upcoming revisions might change how you monitor your health.
The takeaway
The WHO is re-evaluating diagnostic standards to better support the millions of pregnancies affected by high blood sugar annually. As these guidelines evolve, continue to track your glucose trends and discuss any screening results directly with your obstetrician or primary physician.
Further reading
For broader context on managing blood sugar, visit Diabetes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pharmabiz.
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