Association of exclusive breast feeding and early cereal introduction with the development of Type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association of exclusive breast feeding and early cereal introduction with the development of Type-I diabetes mellitus in children.

Methodology: This case-control study was conducted at Pediatric Medicine Department of CH & ICH Multan, from March 2024 to August 2024. A total of 486 children aged 2-12 years (243 with T1DM and 243 controls) were consecutively enrolled. Data on the mode of delivery, duration of breastfeeding, timing of cereals introduction, history of mumps and family history of diabetes was collected. Logistic regression analysis was run to determine the association of exclusive breast feeding and early cereal introduction with the development of T1DM. Crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval are reported and p-value < 0.05 was taken significant.

Results: The median age was seven years (IQR 5-9), with 58.8% females, 50.4% from rural areas, and 51.2% delivered by C-section. Median breastfeeding was for four months (IQR 2-5) and 20.6% were exclusively breastfed. History of mumps, early cereal introduction and family history of diabetes were reported in 8.6%, 47.1% and 17.5% respectively. Compared to controls, cases had higher odds of non-exclusive breastfeeding (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3-3.2), early cereal introduction (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.9-3.9), female gender (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.3-2.7), mumps history (OR 6.8; 95% CI 2.8-16.6) and positive family history of diabetes (OR 8.3; 95% CI 4.4-15.7).

Conclusion: Lack of exclusive breastfeeding, early cereal introduction, female gender, history of mumps and family history of diabetes are independent risk factors for T1DM in children suggesting targeted preventive strategies in at risk populations.