Breastfeeding in infancy associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

Observational data suggest that breastfeeding in infancy &/or decreased exposure to cow’s milk may reduce the prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in later life. To assess the influence of breastfeeding on type 2 diabetes and blood glucose and insulin concentrations, a systematic review of published studies was carried out, including 23 papers focused on the relation between infant feeding and type 2 diabetes in later life. Estimates were pooled using fixed-effects models, differences <0 and ratios <1 implying a beneficial effect of breastfeeding. Compared with formula fed subjects, breastfed subjects had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in later life (P=0.003); breastfed children and adults had marginally lower fasting insulin concentrations (P=0.13) whereas there was no difference in fasting glucose concentrations; breastfed infants had lower preprandial glucose and insulin concentrations.

Web address