Breastfeeding and Diabetes

A new study published in the American Journal of Medicine suggests that breastfeeding infants for at least one month may reduce a woman's risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This effect was independent of physical activity and body mass index later in life.

Breastfeeding has been associated with many benefits for both mothers and their children. In children, breastfeeding may reduce the risk of many childhood illnesses, such as ear infections, lung infections and diarrhea, during the first year of life. Breast milk contains important antibodies, enzymes, fats and proteins that help boost the baby's immune system. Also, women who have breastfed their babies may have lower risks of certain kinds of cancer and a condition known as metabolic syndrome.

Among women, the risk of type 2 diabetes (the most common form of diabetes) is lowest among those who have never given birth.

The researchers analyzed data from 2,233 women (age 40-78) who participated in the Reproductive Risk factors for Incontinence Study at Kaiser (RRISK) between 2003 and 2008.

Of the 1,828 mothers included in the study, 56 percent breastfed for at least one month. In women who had breastfed all of their children and not given the babies formula for at least one month, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was similar to that of women who had never given birth. The risk was slightly higher among women had breastfed their babies but also fed them formula before they were one month old. The chance of developing type 2 diabetes was greatest among women who had given birth but had never breastfed their babies.

The study authors concluded that the risk of type 2 diabetes may increase if a mother breastfeeds exclusively for less than one month. They recommend that mothers be encouraged to exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least one month.

However, this study does not prove that breastfeeding reduces the risk of diabetes. Additional research is needed to fully understand this potential relationship.

For more information about breastfeeding and diabetes, please visit Natural Standard's Medical Conditions database.

References
1.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
2.Schwarz EB, Brown JS, Creasman JM, et al. Lactation and maternal risk of type 2 diabetes: a population-based study. Am J Med. 2010;123(9):863.e1-863.e6. View Abstract

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