Can breastfeeding cut diabetes risk?

By Rob Dabrowski on 20 June 2018 Breastfeeding Diabetes Research

Breastfeeding may help reduce a mother’s risk of type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes, according to new research.

A study of 4400 women followed for more than 20 years suggests breastfeeding for a longer period of time could help women diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
 
Researchers found that women with gestational diabetes who lactated for more than one year in total (for all children combined) reduced their risk of type 2 diabetes by about 30%, compared to those who did not breastfeed at all.
 
The research suggests the long-term beneficial impact of lactation may persist across the lifespan of ageing women.
 
The findings were presented at the inaugural flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, held earlier this month. 
 
For more information and to read the abstract of this study, click here.