Lactation, diabetes, and nutrition recommendations

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Human milk is the recommended nutrition for infants up to one year.
• Breastfeeding is advised for mothers with pre-existing or gestational diabetes.
• Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) offer guidelines for energy and macronutrients during lactation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review energy and macronutrient recommendations for lactating women, particularly those with diabetes.
• To highlight potential breastfeeding challenges and benefits for women with diabetes.

Main Methods:

• Review of 2002 Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for energy and macronutrient needs.
• Discussion of infant milk intake and maternal energy requirements during lactation.
• Examination of lactation issues in women with type 1 and gestational diabetes.

Main Results:

• Infants consume 500 kcal/d (first 6 months) and 400 kcal/d (second 6 months) from human milk.
• Lactating women require additional energy: 330 kcal/d (first 6 months) and 400 kcal/d (second 6 months).
• Women with type 1 diabetes may face breastfeeding initiation issues and glycemic fluctuations.

Conclusions:

• Breastfeeding may offer long-term glycemic benefits for women with gestational diabetes.
• Further research is necessary to fully understand lactation in women with diabetes.