Breastfeeding may have favourable effects on glucose metabolism in mother

Breastfeeding with no or little formula supplementation was associated with lower fasting blood glucose and lower insulin levels at 6-9 weeks postpartum, according to Kaiser Permanente Researchers. They explain that this suggests that breastfeeding a child has favourable effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in women. Researchers are also examining whether fully breastfeeding reduces diabetes risk in women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

The study appears online in the current issue of Diabetes Care.

Moms who exclusively breastfed or mostly breastfed (less than 6 ounces of formula per 24 hour period), had lower adjusted fasting plasma glucose levels, compared to moms who exclusively or mostly formula fed (greater than 17 ounces of formula per 24 hour period). Exclusive or mostly breastfeeding groups also had lower prevalence of pre-diabetes than formula feeding groups, even among obese women, explained Erica P. Gunderson PhD, an epidemiologist and research scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research and the lead author of the study.

Previous research has shown that breastfeeding has long-term favorable effects on a mother's cardio-metabolic profile. This is the first study to examine breastfeeding intensity (degree of formula supplementation) as it relates to postpartum glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance among women with a history of gestational diabetes, explained Gunderson.

The analysis includes participants enrolled between September 2008 and March 2011 into the Study of Women, Infant Feeding and Type 2 Diabetes, SWIFT, an ongoing study of Kaiser Permanente Northern California members who experienced a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

The findings support the hypothesis that breastfeeding spares insulin response required for similar or even improved levels of glucose control, said Gunderson. When women breastfeed, about 50 grams/day of glucose is diverted for the process of milk production without insulin, she explained. Thus, breastfeeding women exhibit lower blood glucose and insulin concentrations compared with non-breastfeeding women.

"We hypothesize that the diversion of glucose and lipids for milk production may unload the pancreatic beta cells and preserve long-term insulin production in women," said Gunderson.

(Source: Kaiser Permanente: Diabetes Care)

More information

For more information on breastfeeding, including what to eat while breastfeeding and contraception after childbirth, see Breastfeeding.

For more information on diabetes, including different types of diabetes, blood glucose and dietary control, and long-term complications, as well as some useful videos, see Diabetes.