New Delhi: Diabetes is kind to none – be it children, older adults or even mums-to-be. During pregnancy, blood sugar levels are likely to go haywire and result in a condition known as gestational diabetes. This condition does not necessarily mean that the patient may have a history of diabetes and may suffer from it for sure after child birth. However, being unable to manage blood sugar levels properly may increase risk of type-2 diabetes later.

Is there a natural remedy for blood sugar control after child birth?

As it turns out, blood sugars levels can be brought down naturally after childbirth with breastfeeding. Also known for its weight loss benefits, lower risk of cancers, anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease, breastfeeding could be your way to dodge type-2 diabetes risk at a later stage in life. Furthermore, for strengthening the mother-baby bond and to lower inflammation risk, experts recommend feeding from both breasts.

In an interaction with Times Now Digital, Dr Gandhali Devorukhkar, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at Wockhardt Hospital spoke about how breastfeeding can lower blood sugar levels in mothers by 25%. The expert also shed light on other benefits of breastfeeding after childbirth, and whether or not 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 didn’t have diabetes before pregnancy, this condition is known as gestational diabetes which significantly raises a woman’s risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. In the case of type 2 diabetes, cells do not respond properly to insulin, a hormone that signals cells to take in the sugar glucose from the blood. If they are left untreated the blood sugar levels can rise and cause several health problems, including blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and amputation. Based on a research, breastfeeding increases insulin sensitivity and improves glucose metabolism in the mother. Additionally, most of the diabetes medications 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.

1. Breastfeed as soon as you can after delivery of the baby
2. Get skin to skin contact with the baby and nurse several times after the delivery
3. Stay calm and relaxed when the milk comes
4. Have breakfast/snacks before or during the nursing. Keep an eatable item near you to raise the blood sugar quickly if needed.
5. Have plenty water and other liquid fluids to stay hydrated
6. Keep a check on the blood sugar levels before and after nursing
7. In case of blood sugar fall leading to blackouts, visit your doctor immediately

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.