Abstract

BREASTFEEDING IS LINKED TO LOWER THE RISK OF TYPE 1 DIABETES IN CHILDREN AT TRIPOLI UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, TRIPOLI, LIBYA

Belkasem A.* and Abdurahman

ABSTRACT

Type 1 Diabetes is a common disease in childhood, many studies have been performed to investigate the role of nutrition in pregnancy and early in life on type 1 DM, the results have been inconsistent. Breastfeeding, probiotic supplementation, vitamin C and zinc supplementation have been shown as possible protective factors against type 1 DM whereas early exposure to eggs, gluten and vegetables might increase the risk. Breastfeeding has been associated with a number of positive health outcomes and a possible protective effect against type 1 diabetes in children has been cited as evidence for the importance of breastfeeding. The relationship between infant breastfeeding and type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is unclear but it has been suggested that there may be a link between many environmental factors, including dietary antigens affecting diabetes epidemiology. The main objective of this study is to investigate nutritional risk factors, especially breastfeeding early in life that may be associated with the development of type 1 DM and to determine the relationship these factors have with the disease. A prospective study was conducted among children attended at Tripoli medical center, Libya from October 2023 to December 2023. A total of 92 children were diagnosed during the period of study. Totally 92 cases with 57.60% male and 42.39% female children. The age of the children between 0 to 5 is 13.04%, 6 to 10 is 29.34% and 11 to 14 is 57.60%. Birth weight (g) <3,000 is 9.78%, ≥4000 is 27.17%, the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes less than age 1 is 2.17%, 2 to 5 is 11.95%, 6 to 10 is 18.47%, 11 to 14 is 67.39%. Any physical activity done by children is once or twice a week is 43.47% and three or more a week is 21.73%. total breastfeeding duration < 6 months is 97.82%, 6-12 months is 45.65%, 13-24 months is 30.43% and greater than 24 months is 14.13%. Introduction of complementary foods are < 6 months is 33.69%, ≥ 6 months is 58.69% and not consumed is 7.60% respectively.

Keywords: Breastfeeding, Type 1 diabetes, Nutrition, Libya.