Benefit of breast milk

WOMEN who breastfeed their babies can reduce their risk of diabetes later in life by almost half, research suggests.

A 30-year study tracking 1200 mothers found those who breastfed even for a short while were 25 per cent less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than women who never did.

For those who persisted for more than six months, the risk dropped 47 per cent.

Scientists believe this protective effect is because sugar is diverted from the blood stream into breastmilk, so less glucose circulates in the body.

Experts have long advised women to breastfeed for the sake of their child’s health, but growing evidence suggests it also has a profound effect on the mother. Studies have shown women who breastfeed are also less likely to have heart attacks, strokes and some forms of cancer.