Type 2 Diabetes in Pregnancy: Experts Call for Urgent Care Improvements

Rising rates of type 2 diabetes in women of reproductive age are creating a growing risk for both mothers and their babies, prompting calls for urgent improvements in care. A new consensus statement, developed by experts from the UK and Ireland, highlights critical gaps in knowledge and prioritizes research to better support women navigating this complex health challenge.

The Expanding Landscape of Type 2 Diabetes in Pregnancy

The concern stems from a documented increase in type 2 diabetes diagnoses among women before they start families. Although managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy has been a focus of research, the consensus statement emphasizes the need to broaden the scope of care. This includes proactive preparation before conception, comprehensive support after childbirth and a deeper understanding of the social factors influencing health outcomes. Researchers published their findings in Diabetic Medicine in March 2026 (White et al, 2026).

Dr. Sara White, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Women’s Health and Diabetes at King’s College London, explains that early-onset type 2 diabetes carries increased risks of serious complications during pregnancy and long-term health issues for both mother and child. This underscores the urgency of addressing the issue proactively.

Navigating Uncertainty: Evidence Gaps and Research Priorities

The consensus statement is informed by three large systematic reviews and discussions at the Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference in 2025. It reveals a significant lack of evidence to guide safe and effective care for women with type 2 diabetes across the entire pregnancy journey. Professor Claire Meek, of the University of Leicester, points out that women often manage complex health needs at a young age, yet healthcare systems aren’t adequately designed to support them.

Several key areas have been identified as priorities for research and service improvement. These include enhancing access to preconception care – the support women receive before becoming pregnant – and providing robust support for maintaining a healthy weight throughout pregnancy and beyond. Strengthening postnatal follow-up care is also crucial to mitigate long-term risks like cardiovascular disease.

Addressing Systemic Barriers and Inequalities

The statement also stresses the importance of acknowledging and addressing health inequalities. Women from disadvantaged backgrounds, different ethnic groups, or those facing language barriers often encounter additional obstacles to accessing quality care. These systemic barriers must be addressed to ensure equitable outcomes for all.

Researchers emphasize the need to center women’s experiences in future research. Many women report feeling judged, poorly informed about risks, and unsupported after specialist maternity care ends. Dr. Rita Forde, Senior Lecturer at University College Cork, highlights the importance of co-developing studies with women and communities to improve outcomes.

The Broader Context: Diabetes Prevalence and Costs

The call for improved care comes against a backdrop of rising diabetes prevalence. While the consensus statement focuses on the UK and Ireland, the trend is global. According to data from Northern Ireland, over 114,000 people were living with diabetes in 2024, a 40% increase since 2014, with cases rising by over 3,000 each year. (FactCheckNI, 2025). The financial burden of managing diabetes and its complications is substantial, with estimates suggesting costs of around £800,000 per day in Northern Ireland, potentially rising to £1.44 million within ten years.

In England, the latest diabetes profile update from March 2025 provides detailed findings on prevalence, care processes, and treatment targets. (GOV.UK, 2025) The Diabetes UK Regional Facts and Stats Dashboard offers data on registrations, care processes, and treatment targets by area. (Diabetes UK, 2026)

What’s Next: A Call for Action

The consensus statement serves as a critical call to action for funders, policymakers, and healthcare leaders. Without targeted investment and systemic changes, preventable harms to women and babies will likely continue to increase alongside the growing prevalence of early-onset type 2 diabetes. The group urges a coordinated effort to accelerate research, implement evidence-based care, and address the social determinants of health that contribute to these disparities. Future work will focus on co-developing studies with women and communities to ensure that interventions are both effective and responsive to their needs.

Further Information: Sara L. White et al, A call to action: A consensus statement on knowledge gaps and research priorities on the management of women with early onset type 2 diabetes in the preconception, pregnancy and postnatal periods, Diabetic Medicine (2026). DOI: 10.1111/dme.70252