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Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Systematic Review

Systematic Review Question

What is the relationship between shorter versus longer durations of any human milk feeding and diabetes outcomes in offspring?

Conclusion Statement

Moderate evidence from observational studies suggests that, among infants fed some amount of human milk, shorter versus longer durations of any human milk feeding are associated with higher risk of type 1 diabetes. 

Limited but consistent evidence suggests that the duration of any human milk feeding is not associated with fasting glucose or insulin resistance in childhood or during the transition from childhood into adolescence. 

There is insufficient evidence to determine whether or not there is a relationship between shorter versus longer durations of any human milk feeding and type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or HbA1c throughout the lifespan, and fasting glucose and insulin resistance in adulthood. 

Grade: Moderate – type 1 diabetes; Limited – fasting glucose and insulin resistance in childhood and the transition into adolescence; Grade Not Assignable – fasting glucose and insulin resistance in adulthood, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, HbA1c]