For many women, pregnancy is the moment when conversations about health become real. Blood tests are taken. Diet is discussed. Plans for the future start to take shape.

On 30 April 2026, midwives from across the UK will have the chance to explore these conversations in depth at a Learn and Apply Day on Equity in Diabetes & Pregnancy, delivered in partnership with the Royal College of Midwives.

The event grows out of practical work carried out with maternity and diabetes teams at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trusts, supported by Diabetes Africa and the Burdett Trust for Nursing. The focus is pregnancy preparation for women living with diabetes, particularly Black women, who national audit data show are significantly less likely to be well prepared for pregnancy.

For midwives, this matters far beyond the current pregnancy. Women who develop gestational diabetes face a greatly increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life, and that risk shapes the health of future pregnancies as well.

Midwives are often the professionals who can open these conversations early. A question about food. A discussion about future pregnancy. A moment to connect women with prevention and support.

This day is designed to give midwives practical ways to approach those moments with more confidence.

Participants will take part in a guided see-and-taste exploration of African and Caribbean foods often mentioned in consultations, helping clinicians recognise what women are referring to and navigate conversations about diet, diabetes and pregnancy more easily.

Clinicians will also share what happened when maternity and diabetes teams began examining pregnancy preparation more closely, and how small changes in everyday care can help women prepare not only for this pregnancy but for the next.

Register here: https://www.diabetesafrica.org/pregnancyevent

20% discount code: RCM20

The event offers 7 hours of CPD supported by the Royal College of Midwives.