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Unaware of being diabetic &breastfeeding
Hello there,
I have been unaware of being diabetic and have been breastfeeding feeding my 21 month old daughter.Recently got my blood tests done and got to know that my hba1c is really high to 9.4.
My concern is will my baby be affected in anyway as she was on breastfeed..does the sugar pass on to the baby through milk.will she be a diabetic in near future due to this..
Concerned mother!!
Answers (9)
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Dear Concerned Mother,
Thank you for reaching out, and I understand your worry. First, please be reassured — your elevated HbA1c does not harm your baby through breast milk. Breast milk does not transfer high blood sugar (glucose) to the baby. What it does pass on is nutrition and immune protection.
Your baby will not develop diabetes just because you breastfed her while having undiagnosed diabetes. The main factors influencing childhood diabetes risk are genetics, overall family lifestyle, and future nutrition — not exposure to breast milk from a diabetic mother.
However, now that you know about your HbA1c of 9.4% (which suggests poorly controlled diabetes), it’s very important to start treatment, including diet, medication, and regular monitoring. This will help improve your energy, support your health, and ensure you are in your best form to care for your little one.
You're not alone — and with timely care, you can absolutely manage this well. Feel free to consult a diabetes specialist for a personalized plan.
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Diabetic mother can safely feed her baby. No risk
Your baby will have same risk of developing diabetes in future as other children of parents with diabetes,
Next Steps
Consult with doctor for your diabetes treatment
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You are still feeding @ 21 month old baby? Strange!!! I think you must meet a pediatrician for adequate nutrition counseling for your baby. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for 4-6 months then up to 1 year you can supplement food with breastfeeding. After that shift to normal home based meals. The same thing is with you. Your nutrition is disturbed because you are unaware about correct nutrition. Due to poor nutrition antenatal and post natal time, you developed diabetes. Urgent medications are required along with nutrition counseling.
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No, breast milk does not transmit high blood sugar to the baby.
Explanation:
• Breast milk composition remains stable regardless of the mother’s blood glucose levels.
• Even in diabetic mothers, the milk is safe and beneficial for the baby.
• Glucose does not pass into breast milk in high amounts, so it won’t “make the baby diabetic” or cause hyperglycemia in the infant.
• Breastfeeding continues to offer protection to the baby: better immunity, less risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the long term.
Next Steps
Treatment options (depending on type, labs, and body weight) could include lifestyle changes, metformin, or insulin.
• Breastfeeding can safely continue even if insulin or oral medications are started (except some drugs like sulfonylureas which may need caution
Health Tips
Advice FBS/PLBS investigation
Diet control
Physical activity
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No, not through beast feeding but since child is now 1 yr screenings for diabetes is necessary so ask your physician to screen child for diabetes
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Pls dont worry and keep on feeding.
Its has no impact on baby health .
U need to start on medications .
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Dr. A Raja Prasanna Kumar
Pulmonologist
46 yrs exp
Hyderabad
No, high sugars do not pass through breast milk. But breast feeding even after 1 yr to the baby is not advisable. Pl stop Brest feeding and consult Peadiatritian and Diabetologist.
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Dr. Sachin Mane
Diabetologist
12 yrs exp
Beed
Don't worry, there is no concern to baby .. but for yourself u should take appropriate treatment
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
4 yrs exp
Bangalore
Sugar doesn't pass through breastmilk.
Dont worry.
Meanwhile consult for sugars.
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