Diabetes & Gestational Diabetes Care in the UAE
Diabetes in pregnancy in the UAE—including both pre-existing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes (GDM)—is managed at the Mediclinic MFM Units (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Hubs) MFM Unit. We offer comprehensive glucose monitoring optimization, fetal growth surveillance, and delivery planning to prevent complications like macrosomia and polyhydramnios.
Who This Page is For
Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.
Pregnant Patient
Mothers diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM) during pregnancy screening.
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians referring diabetic pregnancies for specialist growth scans, fetal wellbeing checks, and insulin management.
Abnormal Screening
Mothers whose scans show fetal macrosomia (large baby) or unexplained polyhydramnios (high amniotic fluid).
Second Opinion
Patients seeking expert guidance on blood sugar targets, medication safety, and birth planning.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
Detailed medical history review and assessment of glycemic control logs.
High-resolution fetal growth scan to calculate Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW) and fluid levels.
Personalized education on nutrition, blood sugar monitoring, and insulin administration if needed.
Establishing a structured monitoring plan with frequent scans in the third trimester.
When urgent referral is needed
- Persistent blood sugar readings that are excessively high or low (hypoglycemia) accompanied by confusion or sweating.
- Significant decrease in fetal movements.
- Signs of pre-eclampsia (sudden swelling, severe headache, high blood pressure).
Where the service is available
Available across Mediclinic MFM hubs in Abu Dhabi (Airport Road Hospital) and Al Ain (Al Jowhara Hospital), with referral pathways coordinating care for patients nationwide.
Why Fetus.ae / Mediclinic MFM
Specialists Available
Fellowship-trained, internationally recognized consultants offering evidence-based precision care.
Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim
Head of Unit, Consultant Maternal Fetal MedicineConsultant in Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi with more than 25 years of experience, University of Toronto fellowship training, and Arab and Saudi Board certification in OBGYN.
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Dr. Leanne Bricker MB.BCh FRCOG
Consultant in Fetal & Maternal MedicineOver three decades of clinical excellence, serving as Chair of Fetal Medicine at Corniche Hospital from 2014-2025.
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Dr. Soha Tohamy Said MB BCH MRCPI, FRCOG
Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Consultant Maternal Fetal MedicineFormer Department Chair of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Corniche Hospital with immense experience leading tertiary maternity services.
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Dr. Najwa Mohamed El Fky
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine SpecialistConsultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist with extensive experience in high-risk obstetrics, prenatal diagnosis, and obstetric ultrasound.
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Dr. Bernard Nasr
Consultant Obstetrics/Gynecology, Maternal Fetal MedicineFrench-trained MFM expert proficient in invasive therapeutic procedures and multiple pregnancy complications.
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Dr. Marija Hadji Lega
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Associate ProfessorInternationally trained specialist with 25+ years of clinical experience, renowned for advanced fetal neurology and cardiology.
View Full ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
Clinical answers directly from our specialists to help prepare you for your appointment.
GDM is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester, when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands.
High maternal blood sugar can cross the placenta, causing the baby to grow excessively large (macrosomia), increasing the risk of delivery difficulties and neonatal low blood sugar.
Yes. Insulin is the gold standard and safest medication for managing diabetes in pregnancy, as it does not cross the placenta and effectively controls blood sugar.
Not necessarily. Many women with well-controlled GDM have successful vaginal deliveries. A Caesarean section may be recommended if the baby is estimated to be very large.
Yes, GDM usually resolves immediately after the baby is born. However, women who had GDM have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Getting Here & Access
Our two hubs cover the country: Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain. Patients from Dubai (about 60–75 minutes on the E11), Sharjah, Ajman and the Northern Emirates typically attend the Abu Dhabi hub, while Al Ain and Eastern Region families are seen locally. Referrals are coordinated so travel is minimised and, wherever possible, imaging, counselling and any procedure are grouped into as few visits as possible.
Insurance & Coverage
Across both hubs we work with major UAE insurers including Daman (Thiqa and Enhanced), ADNIC, Nextcare, NAS and other networks. Coverage and pre-authorisation vary by plan and emirate, so our team confirms eligibility and arranges approvals before you travel. Self-pay packages are available nationwide.
Areas We Serve
Book a Clinical Consultation
Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.