- βCGM use during pregnancy is now formally recommended for Type 1 diabetes by 24 international medical organizations
- βAutomated insulin delivery systems improve blood sugar control before, during, and after pregnancy for Type 1 diabetes
- βOver 95% of women with diabetes deliver healthy babies, and these technologies can help improve those odds further
| Journal | The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology |
| Year | 2026 |
| Authors | Benhalima, Durnwald, Sweeting |
| PMID | 41421368 |
What Was Studied and Why It Matters
Pregnancy and diabetes are a challenging combination. As pregnancy progresses past the first trimester, the body naturally becomes more resistant to insulin β meaning it takes more insulin to keep blood sugar in a healthy range. For women who already have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, this can create serious blood sugar control problems. For some women without pre-existing diabetes, this same insulin resistance can trigger a condition called gestational diabetes.
An international team of researchers and clinicians reviewed all available evidence on two key diabetes technologies β continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, sometimes called "closed-loop" or "artificial pancreas" systems β and published a formal consensus statement endorsed by 24 medical organizations worldwide. Their goal: give clear guidance on how these tools should be used before, during, and after pregnancy.
What the Research Found
The good news first: more than 95% of women with diabetes deliver healthy babies. But uncontrolled blood sugar during pregnancy does raise the risk of complications for both mother and child β both immediately and years down the road. Here is what the expert panel concluded:
- CGM is strongly recommended for women with Type 1 diabetes who are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant. Wearing a CGM sensor that continuously tracks blood sugar levels has been shown to meaningfully reduce pregnancy complications in this group.
- Automated insulin delivery systems β devices that combine a CGM with an insulin pump that automatically adjusts doses β are also recommended for pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes. These systems help smooth out blood sugar highs and lows around the clock, including during labor and delivery and in the weeks after birth.
- More research is still needed for women with Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Experts do not yet have enough data to set firm CGM targets for diagnosing gestational diabetes or for managing it day-to-day.
What This Means for Real Patients
If you have Type 1 diabetes and are thinking about becoming pregnant β or are already pregnant β talk to your care team about CGM and whether an automated insulin pump system is right for you. These are no longer experimental options; they now carry the backing of two dozen major medical societies.
Keeping your CGM sensor stocked and your supplies on hand is especially critical during pregnancy, when consistent monitoring truly cannot wait. MDS Diabetes carries a wide range of CGM sensors, insulin pump supplies, and related diabetes management products, making it easier to stay fully equipped throughout every stage of your pregnancy journey.
If you have Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, CGM technology may still be helpful β ask your doctor what is currently recommended for your specific situation, as guidance in these areas continues to evolve.
Bottom Line
A landmark international consensus statement now officially recommends that pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes use continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin delivery systems. These technologies have been shown to reduce complications for both mother and baby. Women with Type 2 or gestational diabetes should watch for updated guidelines as research continues to catch up. Staying supplied and connected to your care team has never been more important.