Effect of breastfeeding on insulin sensitivity in infants with intrauterine growth retardation: a follow-up study

Abstract:

Objective To study insulin sensitivity and the serum level of adiponectin in infants with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and the effect of breastfeeding on the insulin sensitivity through a follow-up study. Methods A total of 106 full-term IUGR infants who were hospitalized from October 2014 to October 2018 were enrolled as the IUGR group, and 90 full-term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants who were born during the same period of time were enrolled as the AGA group. Birth weight and body length were recorded. Serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), insulin, and adiponectin were measured on day 7 after birth. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. According to the feeding pattern, the IUGR group was further divided into a breastfeeding group with 37 infants and a formula feeding group with 42 infants. The above serum indices and growth indices were also measured at the age of 3 and 6 months. Results Compared with the AGA group, the IUGR group had significantly increased levels in serum insulin and HOMA-IR and a significantly decreased level of adiponectin (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the breastfeeding and formula feeding groups in growth indices and serum levels of FBG, TG, LDL, and HDL on day 7 after birth and at the ages of 3 and 6 months (P > 0.05). In the breastfeeding group, serum insulin and HOMA-IR decreased and adiponectin level increased over the time of breastfeeding (P < 0.05). Conclusions Insulin sensitivity decreases in the early stage after birth in IUGR infants, and breastfeeding can improve insulin sensitivity.