Breastfeeding Prevents 'Sanmo Diabetes'

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] Domestic researchers have discovered that breastfeeding reduces the incidence of diabetes in mothers. As the number of older mothers increases, the incidence of diabetes is also on the rise, and breastfeeding is expected to gain attention as a preventive measure against diabetes. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on the 30th that the joint research team of Professor Kim Ha-il from the Graduate School of Medical Science and Professor Jang Hak-cheol from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital published their findings in the June 29 issue of the international journal Science Translational Medicine.

Breastfeeding Prevents Diabetes After Childbirth

Conceptual Diagram of the Mechanism for Diabetes Prevention through Breastfeeding

This study revealed that breastfeeding is effective in preventing diabetes in mothers after childbirth. The research team followed 174 mothers with gestational diabetes for three years after delivery. The results showed that mothers who breastfed had improved beta-cell function and blood glucose levels approximately 20 mg/dL lower compared to those who did not breastfeed.

The pituitary gland of breastfeeding mothers actively secretes prolactin, a hormone that promotes milk production. Prolactin stimulates the pancreatic beta cells that secrete insulin, a hormone involved in blood glucose regulation. The neurotransmitter serotonin synthesized during this process induces the proliferation of beta cells, increasing their quantity and removing reactive oxygen species inside the beta cells, thereby maintaining the health of the mother's beta cells. Therefore, breastfeeding enables the mother's beta cells to respond flexibly to various metabolic stresses.

Preventive Effects Continue Even After Breastfeeding Ends

The incidence of gestational diabetes and diabetes in mothers after childbirth is gradually increasing as the average age of women giving birth rises. More than 10% of all mothers develop gestational diabetes, and over half of them progress to diabetes after delivery. Women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth have a higher incidence of diabetes compared to those who have not. Diabetes typically causes various complications such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, neurological, and retinal diseases, significantly reducing women's health and quality of life.

Professor Kim Ha-il of KAIST explained, "The improvement of beta-cell function through breastfeeding greatly helps prevent diabetes in women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth. The effects of breastfeeding last long-term, providing preventive benefits against diabetes even after breastfeeding has ended."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.