A strategic framework for managing gestational diabetes in Mexico

Abstract Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is a prevalent health challenge in Mexico, affecting 10–14% of pregnancies but detected in only about 5.1% of cases, highlighting a critical gap in the healthcare system. This underdiagnosis poses severe health risks to mothers and children and reflects broader systemic healthcare failures. The disparity in detection rates points to insufficient screening protocols and uneven access to care, particularly affecting rural areas. Additionally, a lack of integrated digital health solutions exacerbates these issues, leading to inconsistent management and follow-up of diagnosed cases. The current reactive healthcare policies fail to prioritize early intervention and comprehensive patient education, crucial for effective GDM management. This paper calls for immediate and coordinated policy action to standardize GDM screening using updated protocols across all healthcare settings, bolster digital health infrastructure for better surveillance and management, and launch an extensive public health campaign focused on GDM awareness and education. These measures should be rigorously evaluated and adapted based on ongoing research and feedback to ensure they meet the needs of all segments of the population. Addressing these challenges head-on will improve health outcomes for mothers and children and reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with GDM complications.