Media Release: LA LECHE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL OFFERS GOOD NEWS ABOUT THE LINK BETWEEN BREASTFEEDING AND BETTER HEALTH DURING AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH

November 2001

(Schaumburg, IL)-November is American Diabetes Month. While there is still much to learn about this disease, there is good news for diabetic mothers who choose to breastfeed their babies.

Because children of diabetics run a higher than average risk of developing the disease, diabetic mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed. Research indicates that exclusive breastfeeding helps protect against the development of insulin-dependent diabetes. Avoiding the early introduction of cow's milk also appears to help in preventing the disease.

Mothers with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are able to breastfeed. The woman with type 1 diabetes, also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, as well as the mother with type 2 diabetes are usually able to increase their diet and maintain their insulin level. Some may find insulin requirements are also reduced while breastfeeding. Monitoring blood sugar levels is necessary to achieve correct balance whether the mother is breastfeeding or not but many diabetic mothers have shown an increase in overall health while breastfeeding.

Extensive research points to compelling advantages to infants, mothers, families, and the environment from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding significantly decreases the risks to a large number of acute and chronic diseases.

If you would like additional information on breastfeeding, please contact La Leche League International, the world's foremost authority on breastfeeding, at (847) 519-7730 or visit us on the web at www.lalecheleague.org.