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Approximately one in six pregnancies – or 21 million women – globally develop gestational diabetes (GDM), characterised by high blood glucose levels during pregnancy.
Although present during pregnancy, GDM usually disappears after birth. However, women with a history of GDM are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes within five to ten years after delivery. While GDM can cast a shadow of concern over a woman’s future health, the good news is that breastfeeding has emerged as a powerful ally. Research has shown that breastfeeding after a pregnancy with gestational diabetes can lower the mother’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The advantages of breastfeeding for the mother include increased insulin sensitivity and improved glucose metabolism. Additionally, the longer and more exclusively a woman breastfeeds, the greater the protective effect. For example, breastfeeding for over two months can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by almost half, and beyond five months, the risk is reduced by more than half. These findings highlight the measurable impact of breastfeeding on a mother’s health, offering consolation and hope for those facing the challenges of gestational diabetes.
It is not only the mother who is at risk of developing diabetes. Children born to a mother with gestational diabetes are twice as likely to develop type 1 diabetes before the age of 22. Regardless of whether the mother had GDM during pregnancy, breastfed babies have a lower likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes and becoming overweight or obese later in life – a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
By understanding and embracing these post-delivery benefits, women can give their babies the best start in life while taking proactive steps to safeguard their well-being.
It is not only the mother who is at risk of developing diabetes. Children born to a mother with gestational diabetes are twice as likely to develop type 1 diabetes before the age of 22
While the current findings are promising, it is important to look ahead and consider the long-term impact of breastfeeding on diabetes prevention. Further research can unravel the underlying biological mechanisms and determine how long the benefits of breastfeeding might last. By supporting and participating in such studies, women provide greater insight into the profound and lasting effects of breastfeeding on their health, making them an integral part of the solution.
Living with diabetes before pregnancy should not stop women from breastfeeding. In fact, some mothers who breastfeed find that they may need less insulin. Nevertheless, there are a few points to consider for good blood glucose management, such as snacking before nursing and checking blood glucose levels before and after nursing.
The profound impact breastfeeding can have on both mother and child underscores the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers, especially those with GDM. Even without diabetes, breastfeeding can be more challenging than expected, so it is crucial to find support from healthcare professionals, lactation consultants, and peer groups. This support system ensures that mothers feel reassured and cared for while breastfeeding.
Living with diabetes before pregnancy should not stop women from breastfeeding. In fact, some mothers who breastfeed find that they may need less insulin
The global exclusive breastfeeding rate rose to 48% in 2024, bringing the world closer to the World Health Assembly’s global nutrition target of 50%. Sustaining this progress will require civil society organisations, governments, policymakers, health systems, workplaces, communities and parents to work together to strengthen proven measures that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
Still, the progress between countries and regions is uneven. Learning from these disparities and monitoring country progress and national efforts can identify effective approaches to share and scale up. By improving breastfeeding support and reducing inequalities, countries can also contribute to wider sustainable development goals and better health outcomes for mothers and children.
World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August)
This year, World Breastfeeding Week, observed from 1–7 August, will focus on tracking progress and evaluating the impact of breastfeeding on nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction. As the World Breastfeeding Week–Sustainable Development Goals campaign enters its third cycle in 2026, it will highlight global and regional data, showcase successful approaches, and identify areas requiring further improvement. By protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding, the “Warm Chain of Support” – a connected system of care that brings together healthcare professionals, families, communities, and workplaces to support mothers and babies throughout the first 1,000 days – can help save maternal and infant lives, improve lifelong health and development, advance equity, and provide an affordable and locally available source of nutrition.
