Infants fed formula instead of breast milk are at higher risk of developing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes later in life due to the high sugar content in formula, says Mr. Salifu Fah Fawaz, a nutritionist with the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Services. He revealed that formula-fed babies are also 40% more likely to become obese compared to those who are exclusively breastfed.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, Mr. Fawaz stressed the importance of following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months to ensure the health and well-being of newborns.
“Formula’s high sugar content causes a rapid rise in blood sugar, increasing the risk of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes later in life,” he said, adding that many mothers turn to formula without a doctor’s prescription, often due to concerns like low milk production immediately after childbirth.
Mr. Fawaz explained that it is common for new mothers not to produce a large quantity of breast milk in the first few days. However, colostrum, the first milk produced during pregnancy, provides essential nutrients for newborns, even though it may not be visible within the first 24 hours.
He urged mothers to begin breastfeeding within 30 minutes of birth, emphasizing that breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. He also noted the additional benefits of breastfeeding, such as improving bonding between mother and child, enhancing child spacing, and reducing a mother’s risk of breast cancer.
Additionally, Mr. Fawaz warned that infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes face an increased likelihood of developing diabetes themselves, further underscoring the need for proper breastfeeding practices.
He encouraged healthcare professionals to better support and educate new mothers on breastfeeding to ensure optimal infant health.
