In the general populace, breastfeeding is linked to a 22% to 24% reduced risk of offspring becoming overweight later in life, spanning from preschool years to adulthood.
This risk reduction shows a dose-response relationship with longer breastfeeding duration, with the lowest risk observed in cases of prolonged, exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding also slows infant growth for up to two years.
However, scientific evidence remains inconclusive regarding whether breastfeeding guards against the onset of overweight and subsequent type 2 diabetes development among offspring of mothers who had diabetes during pregnancy. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence to determine if lactation protects against the later development of type 2 diabetes in women with a history of diabetes during pregnancy.
Given the lack of evidence and conflicting findings regarding the long-term effects of breastfeeding on the future health of women with diabetes during pregnancy and their infants, further research is warranted.
Breastfeeding offers significant long-term health benefits for both mothers and children. Mothers who breastfeed may lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and receive protection against breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
Additionally, breastfed infants are less likely to become overweight or develop chronic childhood and adolescent diseases. However, whether breastfeeding provides similar health benefits for mothers with diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus; GDM) and their offspring remains uncertain due to limited scientific evidence.
Extensive scientific research in the general population demonstrates a strong association between breastfeeding and a 22% to 24% reduced risk of childhood and adolescent overweight. For mothers, lactation may have immediate and long-term favorable effects on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. However, evidence of lasting effects is less definitive, despite indications of a lower risk of future type 2 diabetes in women, albeit with inconsistent findings related to postpartum weight retention.
It is crucial to determine the impact of breastfeeding on the future health of these high-risk individuals due to their elevated likelihood of becoming overweight and developing metabolic abnormalities.
Breastfeeding is a modifiable early-life risk factor that may have lasting effects on the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Here, we summarize findings on breastfeeding and overweight in the general population, as well as the components of breast milk that may contribute to slower growth in breastfed infants. In this context, we critically evaluate available data on breastfeeding’s effects on overweight and diabetes development among mothers with diabetes and their infants, along with recommendations for future research.
