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Researchers conducted a study on mice to determine the mechanism of how breastfeeding reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings were presented at the annual Endocrine Society meeting in Chicago. As scientists have stated, numerous previous studies have shown that prolonged breastfeeding can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes throughout a mother’s lifetime. However, the exact reasons behind this effect have not been established.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the metabolism of sugar (glucose), an important source of energy for the body. In type 2 diabetes, the body either resists the action of insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain a normal glucose level. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the movement of glucose into cells.
A family history of type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of developing the disease. However, lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity, also play a significant role. Being overweight or obese greatly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Studying the Impact of Breastfeeding on Insulin Production
Researchers compared the metabolic effects of breastfeeding and its absence. They also looked into the changes in metabolism that occur as a result of lactation.
The scientists divided postpartum mice into two groups. The first group consisted of mice that nursed their offspring, while the second group had their pups removed immediately after birth. After a month, when the lactating mice were weaned from their offspring, they were compared to mice that did not breastfeed.
Results
The study revealed that mice from both groups had similar body weight. However, mice that did not breastfeed showed an increase in metabolically active fat. This fat is similar to visceral fat in humans, an excess of which increases the risk of developing diabetes.
Additionally, mice without lactation had fewer insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The fewer of these cells, the smaller the reserve for insulin production, which can contribute to an increased risk of diabetes. The second group also exhibited greater insulin resistance, which occurs when muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond properly to insulin. Over time, this can put a strain on the insulin-producing cells, leading to damage and diabetes development.
It’s often assumed that nursing leads to a lower risk of diabetes because it is associated with weight loss, which improves metabolism. However, studies in women have shown that this protective effect is independent of weight loss. Our study in mice also corroborates these findings and suggests that the protective effect of nursing may be related to effects both to increase the reserves of insulin-producing cells and to lessen whole body resistance to the effects of insulin.
Lead researcher Julie Hens, Ph.D., of Yale University in New Haven, Conn, USA
