Breastfeeding to prevent diabetes in mothers

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Extract from the article: L'allaitement maternel joue un rôle significatif dans la prévention du diabète chez les mères. Plusieurs études ont démontré que l'allaitement peut réduire le risque de développer un diabète de type 2 après la grossesse.

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Breastfeeding plays a significant role in preventing diabetes in mothers. Several studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.

An American study conducted by researchers at the Virginia Medical University (USA) reveals that «breastfeeding a child reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes». In fact, breastfeeding for at least six months reduces this risk by up to 47%, reveals a study published Tuesday January 16, 2018 in the prestigious «Journal of the American Medical Association» (JAMA). According to the researchers, hormones may play a role in the mechanism of breastfeeding. Hormones could act as protective agents or, alternatively, not breastfeeding can affect hormonal balance. 

Lactogenesis has beneficial effects on the mother's cardiometabolic blood profile, including lower atherogenic lipids and lower blood glucose and insulin levels, thanks to the insulin-independent consumption of glucose for milk production. The study «How Breastfeeding Lowers Mothers' Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes», Yale, July 18, 2023 shows that one of the triggers for the development of diabetes is the loss of the ability of beta cells to produce enough insulin to overcome insulin resistance, i.e. the inability of insulin to effectively lower blood glucose levels. Genetics and obesity often cause insulin resistance, which worsens during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. Lactation can have a protective effect on the mother's metabolism. By defining the mechanisms involved in this protection against diabetes, we hope that this research will lead to better outcomes for women after childbirth, as well as for all patients with type 2 diabetes. This discovery is particularly important for women at risk, such as many Togolese women. These results may encourage «the extension of maternity leave to enable women to breastfeed their children for longer». Breastfeeding for at least 12 months is associated with a reduced risk of maternal diabetes in the three years following childbirth. Breastfeeding helps improve insulin sensitivity and has positive effects on glucose metabolism, which is crucial for women with a history of gestational diabetes.

The benefits of breastfeeding don't stop at preventing diabetes. Breastfeeding also protects the mother against ovarian cancer and cardiovascular disease.Breast milk contains all the nutrients a newborn needs. Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients an infant needs during the first six months of life, and continues to cover half or more of its nutritional requirements during the second half of life, and up to a third of these during the second year.  For the baby, breast milk is a complete food that promotes cerebral development and reduces the risk of obesity and asthma.

Jean ELI & Esther KOLANI (Intern)