Caesareans linked to higher risk of diabetes

28 Aug 2008

Infants delivered by caesarean section are more likely to develop the most common type of diabetes in childhood, a new study has found.

Research led by Queen's University Belfast revealed that children born by caesarean have a 20% higher risk of developing Type 1 diabetes than other babies.

"The study findings are interesting, but unless a biological mechanism is established it would be unwise to read too much into this association between caesarean section delivery and diabetes," said lead researcher Dr Chris Cardwell.

Figures show 2.3 million people in the UK are diagnosed with diabetes and 250,000 with Type 1 diabetes.

Commenting on the findings, Iain Foster, director of Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, said: "Not all women have the choice of whether to have a caesarean section or not, but those who do may wish to take this risk into consideration before choosing to give birth this way."

The World Health Organisation's recommended rate of babies delivered by caesarean section is 15%.

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