Breast feeding: preventive therapy for type 2 diabetes
Kalra, B.; Gupta, Y.; Kalra, S.
Jpma. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 65(10): 1134-1136
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9982 PMID: 26440851 Document Number: 683458
Exclusive breastfeeding for six months, continued along with top feed up to the age of 2 years and beyond, is strongly recommended by the World Health Organization. Apart from the various benefits that it provides, breast feeding may also serve to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome in mothers, and type 1 diabetes and overweight/ obesity in their offspring. This review discusses the evidence related to breastfeeding and type 2 diabetes. It highlights pertinent aspects of breast feeding management, which can help facilitate optimal use of this natural preventive intervention.