Diabetes risk bridges generations

A new American study on rats reveals the long-term consequences of breastfeeding . Researchers conclude that children whose grandmothers had a poor diet whilst pregnant and breastfeeding face an increased risk of developing diabetes. Insulin resistance, apparently, can stretch down two generations.
The study was carried out at the University of Texas and is to be published in the Journal of Physiology . Experts in the UK claim that despite the interesting questions raised by the research, much more intensive study must be conducted before its validity can be assessed. The research team in Texas collaborated with other researchers across the border in Mexico . One expert at the heart of the study was reported as saying: “These new findings stretch the unwanted consequences of poor nutrition across generations. It offers us important clues about the origins of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.”
Granddaughters were shown to be particularly at risk, with boys only more at risk from their mothers diet . Whatever the significance of the results, they certainly show the need for women to eat well during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Future studies will hopefully further show the links between diet during pregnancy and diabetes risk to children.