Breastfeeding protects women from diabetes

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Extract from the article: Les chercheurs du Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology ont constaté que la prolactine, hormone produite

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Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have found that prolactin, a hormone produced during breastfeeding to stimulate milk production, increases the number of beta cells in the pancreas. These cells help to regulate blood glucose levels, but also produce the feel-good hormone serotonin during breastfeeding. Serotonin has an antioxidant effect on these pancreatic cells. According to the study published in ‘ Science Translational Medicine ’, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of post-partum diabetes, thanks to two phenomena: an increase in the mass of beta cells in the pancreas and an improvement in their function. This phenomenon lasts even after breast-feeding has stopped, significantly improving mothers' metabolisms. After giving birth, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is considerable. While the risk is high, there are ways of preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes after childbirth: taking part in physical activity, eating a healthy, varied and balanced diet, stopping smoking and avoiding excess weight.

Elom AKAKPO