Gestational Diabetes Care Secured for Pregnant Women in Berlin | 2026 Update
Improved Care for Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes in Berlin
Pregnant women in Berlin diagnosed with gestational diabetes will once again have access to consistent, specialized outpatient care, thanks to a new agreement between the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) Berlin and several health insurance companies. This comes after a temporary lapse in coverage at the end of 2024 due to expiring contracts for specialized care.
The new care contract, effective , applies to insured individuals of participating health insurance companies who have a medically diagnosed pregnancy and confirmed gestational diabetes, extending up to twelve weeks postpartum. “After long and tough negotiations, we succeeded, together with the health insurance companies, in creating a sustainable basis for structured care close to home for pregnant women with gestational diabetes,” explained Günter Scherer, a member of the board of KV Berlin.
Gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, affects approximately five to ten percent of pregnant women. Effective management is crucial, as untreated or inadequately treated gestational diabetes can lead to complications including macrosomia (a very large baby), increased risk of preterm birth, birth complications, and long-term metabolic diseases for both mother and child. Early diagnosis and ongoing care in specialized settings are therefore paramount.
Dr. Christiane Wessel, deputy chairwoman of KV Berlin and a gynecologist, emphasized the importance of this renewed access to care. “Pregnant women with gestational diabetes are a particularly vulnerable group of patients. The fact that we as KV Berlin have now been able to secure reliable, high-quality care for them is an important signal for Berlin.”
The agreement ensures that pregnant women with gestational diabetes in Berlin can receive targeted care within diabetological practices and specialized centers. These practices offer a range of services, including detailed medical consultations addressing all aspects of gestational diabetes, individualized nutritional guidance, training in blood sugar self-monitoring, recommendations for appropriate exercise and lifestyle modifications, and, when necessary, initiation and support of insulin therapy in close collaboration with the patient’s gynecologist. Postpartum follow-up, including a blood sugar stress test (), is also provided to identify potential long-term risks.
Rebecca Zeljar, head of the vdek’s Berlin/Brandenburg regional representation, highlighted the health insurance perspective. “The gestational diabetes agreement in accordance with Section 140a SGB V has created a reliable basis for the care of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in Berlin. The aim was to ensure quality-assured care close to home and at the same time to agree on economically viable framework conditions.” She noted the complexity of the negotiations, adding, “but thanks to the constructive cooperation with KV Berlin and the Professional Association of Resident Diabetologists, robust and fair solutions were achieved in the interests of the insured. This shows that close cooperation and clear common goals lead to sustainable solutions.”
Dr. Iris Dötsch, deputy chairwoman of the Professional Association of Resident Diabetologists in Berlin (BVND), added, “The BVND is pleased that the highly qualified expertise in the care of women with gestational diabetes in Berlin is both valued and financially secured.”
For patients insured with participating health insurance companies, this new contract means they can access these specialized services without needing to cover the costs upfront. Billing is handled directly between the health insurance provider and the practice. Participation in the program is voluntary.
The collaborative effort between KV Berlin and the participating health insurance companies aims to provide high-quality, coordinated care, fostering close collaboration between specialized diabetologists and gynecologists. This integrated approach is designed to optimize outcomes for both mother and child.
According to the American Diabetes Association, the prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy, including both pre-existing diabetes and gestational diabetes, has been increasing in the U.S. And globally, mirroring the worldwide rise in obesity. This trend underscores the importance of proactive screening and effective management strategies.
Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with, or suspect they may have, gestational diabetes are encouraged to consult with their gynecologist and inquire about specialized diabetological practices or centers in Berlin. Further information is available on the KV Berlin website.
The World Health Organization (WHO) released its first global guidelines for the management of diabetes during pregnancy in , emphasizing individualized care, optimal monitoring, personalized treatment, and specialized support for women with pre-existing diabetes. These guidelines reinforce the importance of a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to managing diabetes during pregnancy.