Gestational Diabetes Care Secured for Pregnant Women in Berlin

Pregnant women in Berlin diagnosed with gestational diabetes will continue to have access to specialized outpatient care thanks to a renewed agreement between the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) Berlin and several health insurance companies. This ensures continuity of care after previous contracts expired at the end of 2024, temporarily leaving some patients without guaranteed benefits.

New Contract Details and Coverage

The new contract, effective February 15, 2026, covers pregnant individuals insured by participating health insurance companies who receive a medical diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Coverage extends up to twelve weeks postpartum. The agreement aims to provide structured, accessible care close to home for this vulnerable patient population.

“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, member of the board of KV Berlin. KV Berlin

Dr. Christiane Wessel, deputy chairwoman of KV Berlin and a gynecologist, emphasized the importance of this agreement: “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.”

Health Insurance Perspective

Rebecca Zeljar, head of the vdek’s Berlin/Brandenburg regional representation, highlighted the collaborative effort: “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 but praised the constructive cooperation with KV Berlin and the Professional Association of Resident Diabetologists, leading to robust and fair solutions. vdek

Expertise of Resident Diabetologists

Dr. Iris Dötsch, deputy chairwoman of the Professional Association of Resident Diabetologists in Berlin (BVND), expressed satisfaction that the specialized expertise in gestational diabetes care is both recognized and financially supported. BVND

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, affecting approximately 5-10% of pregnant women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If left untreated or inadequately managed, it can lead to complications, including:

• Macrosomia (a incredibly large baby)
• Increased risk of preterm birth
• Birth complications
• Long-term metabolic diseases for both mother and child

Early diagnosis and comprehensive care in specialized practices are therefore crucial.

What the New Contract Provides

The renewed contract ensures pregnant women with gestational diabetes in Berlin receive targeted care in diabetological practices and specialized centers. These services include:

• Detailed medical consultations addressing all aspects of gestational diabetes
• Individualized nutritional guidance and training in blood sugar self-monitoring
• Recommendations for appropriate exercise and a healthy lifestyle
• Initiation and support of insulin therapy, coordinated with the gynecologist, when necessary
• Postpartum follow-up care, including a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to assess long-term risk

For eligible patients, these services are available without upfront payment, with direct billing to the participating health insurance companies. Participation is voluntary.

Coordinated Care Approach

KV Berlin and the participating health insurance companies emphasize the contract’s focus on high-quality, coordinated care, fostering close collaboration between specialized diabetologists and gynecologists.

Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with or suspect they may have gestational diabetes are encouraged to consult their gynecologist and inquire about specialized diabetological practices or centers in Berlin. Further information is available on the KV Berlin website.

Key Takeaways

• A new contract secures continued specialized care for pregnant women with gestational diabetes in Berlin.
• The agreement covers insured individuals from participating health insurance companies, extending up to 12 weeks postpartum.
• Care includes medical consultations, nutritional guidance, exercise recommendations, and insulin therapy support.
• Early diagnosis and comprehensive management are vital to prevent complications for both mother and child.