Researchers have discovered that women who breastfeed are half as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. It may have something to do with the additional weight that expectant mothers gain — breastfeeding helps them lose extra abdominal fat more efficiently.
While abdominal fat is important for a gestating baby's development, it can be bad for the mother's health after delivery. It has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease as well as diabetes.
According to Time Magazine:
“Animal studies have helped reveal other reasons ... Breastfeeding ... can increase a mother's response to insulin, allowing her to break down glucose more effectively and keep sugar metabolism in check. Lactation also inhibits hormones that promote growth hormone activity, which can also affect insulin levels.”