Breastfeeding is becoming popular once again - and I am thankful for that on numerous accounts. I will address the pros of breastfeeding at some point soon - as I am a huge proponent for it. Both of my sons have been breastfed. Our first for 1.5 years and our second is only 5 months old so he has about another year yet.

The summary by Reuters shown below demonstrates breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing diabetes type II in the mother.

Before we get to the summary by Reuters, another breastfeeding research article points out yet another positive of breastfeeding - this time in the recipient. A breastfed individual has reduced risk of developing obesity later in life.

Yet another review shows that breastfeeding decreases the chances of longterm chronic illnesses in life for the recipient as well. The review from Pediatric clinics of North America. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2001 Feb;48(1):125-41, by Davis MK found:

"A growing body of research suggests that infant feeding practices influence the risk for several chronic diseases of childhood and adolescence. Increased risks for type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, some childhood cancers, and inflammatory bowel disease have been associated with artificial infant feeding and short-term breastfeeding. As genetic susceptibility is understood more completely and gene-environment interactions are elucidated, evidence to either confirm or refute these findings will be forthcoming."

Ok - I'll get off my soapbox and allow you to read about breastfeeding and diabetes.

Enjoy this article - especially if you had gestational diabetes or are on the verge of becoming a type II diabetic, this article may mean a lot to you: