Breastfeeding and diabetes

Breastfeeding improves health outcomes for mothers and infants and reduces the risk of neonatal infections. In particular lactation improves glucose tolerance in women with and without prior gestational diabetes and is associated with reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese later in life. Breastfed babies grow more slowly during infancy than formulafed babies and seem to have a lower risk to develop diabetes later in life. In women with type 1 diabetes breastfeeding was associated with a reduction in glucose variability and in insulin requirement. SARS-CoV-2 infection has recently spread to Italy with important consequences on pregnancy management, mother and child health and mother-child contact. To date no evidence confirmed SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission from infected pregnant mother to their fetus. However it is well known that an infected mother can transmit the COVID-19 virus through respiratory droplets during breastfeeding or intimate contact. Thus, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for at least six months postpartum in women with and without diabetes, even if with known or suspected COVID-19. Mothers with known or suspected COVID-19 should adhere to standard and contact precautions during breastfeeding. It should be considered that following suggestions may change in the future when more evidence is acquired regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection. KEY WORDS breastfeeding; diabetes; pregnancy; COVID-19.