Breastfeeding and diabetes: part 1

Diabetes is an increasingly common disease (Narayan et al 2003; Cowie et al 2006). The financial impact of managing this condition is rising (Hogan et al 2003). Diabetes is a syndrome with genetic and environmental influences that results in both insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production (Weyer et al 1999). Increasing evidence suggests that exclusive breastfeeding may have a significant impact on the prevention of diabetes in adult life (Young et al 2002). This paper looks at why it is important to motivate mothers with diabetes to exclusively breastfeed their babies as directed by the Department of Health (DH) (2003). Breastfeeding will have a positive impact in halting the rising diabetic trend. In addition to the physiological benefits of breastfeeding, women with diabetes report that breastfeeding helps them to fulfil their need to feel 'normal' (Riordan 2005).