Yes, you can breastfeed if you have diabetes! There are advantages to doing so, as well. Breastfeeding reduces stress, and stress can aggravate diabetes -- and you may be helping to prevent your baby from developing diabetes later as well. Many diabetic moms report that they feel better when they breastfeed, and the hormones involved in breastfeeding may actually reduce the amount of insulin you need.

I do not know whether your milk would have more glucose than a non-diabetic mother. One reference I have says that there is no difference between the milk of a diabetic mother (whose diabetes is under control) and a non-diabetic mother, but it was not necessarily refering to glucose specifically.

Some blood glucose monitoring tests are affected by the milk sugar (lactose) produced in breast milk. Two tests that are not affected are Diastix and Tes-Tape.

One final note, should you decide to wean your baby, it is important to do so gradually. Abrupt weaning could affect your insulin needs.

I would encourage you to learn all you can about breastfeeding -- attend La Leche League meetings if they are available in your area. (Call 1-800-La-Leche for a group near you.)