Breastfeeding Improves Postpartum Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Gestational Diabetes Population, Prospective Case-Control Trial

Introduction:
Breastfeeding is the normative form of nutrition for newborns, according to both the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international medical societies. Breastfeeding is a hormonal-dependent process, therefore maternal endocrinopathies, including maternal diabetes, may hinder the process. During pregnancy, maternal diabetes is categorized into diet-controlled only (GDMA1) or medication-controlled (GDMA2). Both categories of GDM are at an increased risk for future DM-II after delivery, however the data regarding the potential effects of breastfeeding on future diabetes mellitus (DM) type II, is scarce.

Aim:
Evaluation of breastfeeding impact amongst GDM mothers, on the rate of type-II DM diagnosed postpartum.

Methods:
This is an ongoing prospective randomized controlled trial, of pregnant individuals with GDM.

After delivery, participants were contacted by telephone and were inquired about breastfeeding and other feeding options and 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results.

Results:
After delivery, 45 participants reported breastfeeding (BF) vs. 27 who did not BF at all. Demographic data were similar for age, gravidity and parity, and newborn’s delivery weight. At 75gr OGTT, BF group had a lower fasting glucose level (91.8 mg/dL vs 103.9 mg/dL, p-value =0.002), and 2hr glucose level (96.8 mg/dL vs 108.0 mg/dL p-value= 0.1). There were more participants with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at the BF group (5 vs. 2), whereas 2 had DM-II at the non-BF group (and none at the BF group)

Conclusions:
Amongst GDM patients, breastfeeding is associated with lower fasting glucose levels and a lower 2hr OGTT. Further research is needed to assess breastfeeding`s effect on DM-II.