International Consensus Sets New Standard for Diabetes Technology in Pregnancy
diaTribe Foundation has published the first international consensus statement to guide the use of diabetes technology during pregnancy. The document provides clear recommendations on deploying continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and automated insulin delivery (AID) to improve maternal and fetal outcomes across diverse settings. Developed with input from clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates, the consensus aims to harmonize practice while recognizing individual needs and healthcare system constraints.
Key Recommendations for CGM and AID Use
The consensus emphasizes that CGM should be considered standard care for pregnant people with diabetes when available, given the data linking CGM-guided management to better glycemic control and reduced risk of fetal complications. Specific guidance includes target glucose ranges, data interpretation timelines, and recommended observation periods during different trimesters. For AID systems, the statement highlights careful patient selection, device compatibility with pregnancy physiology, and the importance of ongoing professional support to optimize algorithm settings and safety.
Tailored Care Across Clinical Contexts
Recognizing variability in access and expertise, the consensus outlines tiered strategies. In high-resource settings, universal CGM adoption with proactive remote monitoring is encouraged, alongside staged AID initiation during the second trimester when feasible. In lower-resource environments, the document provides pragmatic steps to maximize CGM use, such as prioritizing education, device loan programs, and simplified alert configurations to ensure safety without overwhelming clinicians or patients.
Safety, Training, and Shared Decision-Making
Safety remains central. The consensus recommends structured training for patients and care teams, including interpretation of CGM data, adjustments to insulin dosing, and recognizing device limitations. Shared decision-making is encouraged to align technology choices with patient preferences, lifestyle, and potential pregnancy-related changes in insulin sensitivity.
Impact on Outcomes and Health Equity
Proponents of the consensus argue that timely access to CGM and AID can reduce adverse outcomes such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and large-for-gestational-age infants. By standardizing best practices, the document also seeks to close gaps in care for marginalized populations who historically experience limits in diabetes technology access. The consensus calls for ongoing research to evaluate long-term maternal and child health benefits in real-world settings.
What This Means for Patients and Providers
Pregnant individuals with diabetes can expect more consistent guidance on whether to pursue CGM or AID, how to interpret data, and when to seek adjustments in therapy. Healthcare providers gain a framework to discuss technology options, set realistic goals, and coordinate care across obstetrics, endocrinology, and diabetes education teams. The international nature of the consensus also fosters cross-border knowledge sharing and the harmonization of clinical standards where possible.
About diaTribe and the Consensus Process
diaTribe Foundation, known for its patient-centered approach to diabetes information, convened a global panel of clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates to draft the statement. The process incorporated published evidence, clinical experience, and patient perspectives to reflect real-world use of CGM and AID during pregnancy. The result is a practical, adaptable guide intended to support clinicians and patients worldwide as technology becomes increasingly central to diabetes management in pregnancy.
Looking Ahead
Authors of the consensus anticipate ongoing updates as new devices emerge and as data from diverse populations accumulate. They also urge health systems to invest in training, access programs, and data infrastructure that enable safe, equitable use of CGM and AID for pregnant people with diabetes.
