Diabetes is not good for anyone – be it children, older adults, or even expectant mothers. During pregnancy, blood sugar levels are likely to mess up, leading to a condition known as gestational diabetes. This condition does not necessarily mean that the patient has a history of diabetes and will be sure to have it after birth. However, if you are unable to properly control blood sugar levels, it can later increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Is There a Natural Remedy for Controlling Blood Sugar After Having a Baby?
It turns out that breastfeeding can naturally lower blood sugar levels after giving birth. Breastfeeding is also known for its weight loss benefits, lower risk of cancer, anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease. In addition, experts recommend feeding on both breasts to strengthen the mother-child bond and reduce the risk of inflammation.
In an interaction with Times Now Digital, Dr. Gandhali Devorukhkar, Consultant Gynecologist and Obstetrician at Wockhardt Hospitals, on how breastfeeding can lower maternal blood sugar levels by 25%. The expert also shed light on other benefits of breastfeeding after childbirth and whether it is safe to breastfeed a baby while taking insulin and diabetes medication.
“About 5-9% of pregnant women in India develop high blood sugar levels even though they did not have diabetes before pregnancy. This condition is known as gestational diabetes, which significantly increases a woman’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. In type 2 diabetes, the cells do not respond properly to insulin, a hormone that signals the cells to take up the sugar glucose from the blood. If left untreated, blood sugar levels can rise and cause various health problems, including blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and amputation. According to one study, breastfeeding increases insulin sensitivity and improves glucose metabolism in the mother. In addition, most diabetes drugs, including insulin and metformin, are safe to use, ”said Dr. Devorukhkar.
Breastfeeding Tips for Mothers with Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association lists some safe and healthy breastfeeding tips for mothers with diabetes.
- Breastfeed as soon as possible after the baby is born
- After birth, bring the baby into skin and skin contact and breastfeed several times
- Keep calm and relaxed when the milk comes
- Breakfast/snacks before or during breastfeeding. Keep an edible object close by to help raise blood sugar quickly if needed.
- Consume plenty of water and other liquid fluids to stay hydrated
- Check blood sugar levels before and after breastfeeding
- In the event of a drop in blood sugar leading to blackouts, see your doctor immediately
Source: https://newsbeezer.com/southafrica/can-breastfeeding-improve-blood-sugar-levels-experts-answer-faqs/
