Exclusive breast feeding can curb non insulin diabetes

Breastfeeding could provide protection against non insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM), researchers believe. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first two months of life have a far lower rate of NIDDM than those also given cow's milk formula.

Other research had found that insulindependent diabetes was linked to an early exposure to cow's milk, but the role of breastfeeding as a protective agent against NIDDM had never been explored.

Researchers from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in Phoenix, Arizona studied 720 Pima Indians, a group with a high prevalence of NIDDM, and found that the group that was exclusively breastfed had significantly lower rates of NIDDM (Lancet, 1997; 350: 166-8),

Related WDDTY Content

Formula milk: no fatty acids

Babies given formula milk are noticeably deficient in a particular fatty acid. ...

Diabetes link to obesity

Evidence to link diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) to obesity is mounting. Although the condition is, in part, thought to be...

Breast implants: feeding problems

Baywatch's Pamela Anderson take note: women who have their breasts implants may later find it difficult if not impossible to breastfeed. ...

Diabetes: more on cow's milk

The theory that diabetes is caused by a too early exposure to cow's milk usually as a substitute for breast milk has been supported with a scientific...

Diabetes: fighting fit

More evidence that exercise may help prevent the onset of non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. ...

Breastfeeding for the brainier

Further proof that breast is best comes from researchers who have discovered that breastfed babies enjoy a slight advantage in their neurological deve...