In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to evaluate blood sugar levels during breastfeeding in mothers with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The main finding of the study was that breastfeeding at night time rarely caused hypoglycemia in comparison to women with T1D that were not breastfeeding.
Some background
The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to 6 months of age of the infant. In breastfeeding mothers without T1D, breastfeeding does not change blood sugar levels. However, there are concerns that breastfeeding mothers that have T1D may experience hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels going too low) soon after they breastfeed. This is a particular worry at night. Some mothers with T1D increase their carbohydrate intake before breastfeeding at night to prevent hypoglycemia. It is not known if this is necessary. Hypoglycemia is defined as blood sugar less than 4 mmol/l.
The rates nighttime hypoglycemia in breastfeeding mothers with T1D compared to women with T1D who are not breastfeeding is not known.
Methods & findings
This study included 33 mothers with T1D. 26 of these were breastfeeding and 7 of these women were not breastfeeding. 32 women with T1D who had not given birth and were not breastfeeding served as a comparison group. Continuous blood sugar monitoring was done for 6 days in a row. It was applied at 1, 2 and 6 months after birth in breastfeeding women.
The percentage of time spent with a blood sugar less than 4 mmol/l was 4.6%, 3.1% and 2.7% at 1, 2 and 6 months after birth in breastfeeding women. Non-breastfeeding women spent 1.6% of the time with a blood sugar less than 4 mmol/l.
Rates of hypoglycemia with symptoms were the same in breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding mothers spent more time at night and over 24 hours with a blood sugar in the target range of 4-10 mmol/l. After 1 month, the insulin dose of breastfeeding mothers was 15% lower than before pregnancy.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that the percentage of nighttime spent in hypoglycemia was low in breastfeeding women with T1D. This percentage was similar to non-breastfeeding women.
The fine print
This study had a very small number of participants. Larger studies are needed for more solid evidence.
What’s next?
If you have concerns about hypoglycemia during breastfeeding, please consult with your doctor.
Published By :
Diabetologia
Date :
Jan 03, 2019
