Is there a Relationship between Metabolic Control and Glucose Concentration in Breast Milk of Type 1 (Insulin-Dependent) Diabetic Mothers?

Summary

We studied glucose concentration of breast milk of nursing diabetic mothers and its possible relationship to the quality of metabolic control. Eleven Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic mothers and 11 age-matched control subjects were included in the study. Although a near-normoglycemic control of diabetic mothers was accomplished by intensified insulin treatment, the HbA₁ value was significantly higher in comparison to non-diabetic mothers (8.1 ± 0.9% versus 6.2 + 0.5% p < 0.01). Regardless of this, the glucose concentration of breast milk did not differ between diabetic mothers and that of non-diabetic women (0.68 ± 0.50 mmol/l versus 0.66 ± 0.55 mmol/l). No correlation exists between glucose concentration of breast milk and relevant blood glucose concentration as well as glycosylated haemoglobin A₁ of the mother. In conclusion, our data support the view that breast-feeding of infants of diabetic mothers is not associated with an increased offer of glucose and thus not being of importance as a possible mechanism to sustain a hyperinsulinemic state in the newborns.

Key words

Glucose concentration - Breast milk - Type 1 diabetic mothers - Metabolic control-Newborns