Birth choices linked to child diabetes
Thursday 28 May 2009
The popularity of Caesarean births is contributing to an increase in child diabetes, it was reported today.
The number of children under five with Type 1 diabetes could increase by 50% by the year 2020. This has been blamed on modern lifestyles, with many mothers opting to have children later in life.
As a result, the number of deliveries by Caesarean section has increased. A doctor from Queen's University, Belfast warned of the complications of C-sections, saying: "There is a 20% extra risk for babies born as a result of Caesarean section."
Additionally, it was noted that babies' immune systems were being compromised by reduced exposure to germs.
Researchers also said that babies gain weight faster in the first year of their lives, which is another contributor to Type 1 diabetes.
Side effects of poorly-managed Type 1 diabetes include kidney failyre, blindness and heart disease. Since there's no cure for the disease, it's essential that the condition is managed.
The researchers reported that breastfeeding was a good way to safeguard against these conditions in babies, so there are still things you can do to reduce the risk!
By Amy Bangs