Breastfeeding Linked to Lower Cardiovascular Risk in Women With Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes

New research from the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health (GloW) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that breastfeeding may be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The study, published in Diabetes Care, highlights a potential health benefit of breastfeeding for women who have experienced diabetes-related pregnancy complications.

Extended Breastfeeding Associated With Reduced CVD Risk

In this study, researchers analyzed data from 15,146 women with type 2 diabetes and 4,537 women with a history of GDM, drawn from the Nurses' Health Study I & II. They found that women with type 2 diabetes who breastfed for more than 18 months had a 32% lower risk of CVD compared to those who never breastfed. Among women with a history of GDM, those breastfeeding for over 18 months showed a 51% lower risk of developing cardiovascular issues. These findings suggest that extended breastfeeding may contribute to reduced CVD risk in women with these specific diabetes histories.

Importance of Modifiable Lifestyle Factors in Women’s Health

Breastfeeding, previously known for its immediate health benefits for both mother and child, may have broader implications for women’s cardiovascular health, particularly for those at increased risk due to diabetes. This research aligns with GloW’s mission to promote preventive lifestyle measures to improve women’s long-term health outcomes.

GloW also announced an initiative to encourage healthier eating choices among Asian women, advocating for a culturally adapted Mediterranean diet. This diet approach, introduced at the NUS Women’s Health Conference 2024, reflects an emphasis on modifiable lifestyle factors that could help prevent conditions like diabetes and CVD.