Early infant diet in children at high risk for type 1 diabetes

M Pflüger1, C Winkler, S Hummel

  • 1Forschergruppe Diabetes der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany.

Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|November 11, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Few families with type 1 diabetes history followed WHO infant feeding guidelines. Improved infant feeding practices are crucial, particularly for young mothers at risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Infant diet significantly impacts long-term health and development.
  • A family history of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may influence infant feeding practices.
  • Understanding adherence to infant feeding recommendations in high-risk families is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate World Health Organization (WHO) infant feeding compliance in infants with a first-degree family history of type 1 diabetes.
  • To identify factors associated with deviations from WHO infant feeding recommendations.

Main Methods:

  • The BABYDIET intervention study followed 150 infants with a first-degree T1D relative from birth.
  • Daily records of infant feeding, infections, and medication were maintained by families.
  • Infant growth data were collected from pediatric records.

Main Results:

  • Only 5% of families adhered to WHO recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months and timely introduction of complementary foods.
  • Younger maternal age (<29 years) and maternal smoking were linked to earlier solid food introduction and reduced breastfeeding duration.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for >=6 months was associated with fewer gastrointestinal infections and less antibiotic use.

Conclusions:

  • WHO infant feeding recommendations are poorly followed in families with a T1D history.
  • Interventions are needed to improve infant feeding behaviors, especially in at-risk populations.
  • Targeted support for young mothers with T1D family history is essential.

Related Concept Videos

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction01:26

Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...