Milk composition of insulin-dependent diabetic women.

The macronutrient, trace mineral, and immunological contents of milk of five moderately controlled, insulin-dependent diabetic women were studied at 3 months postpartum. Concentrations of total nitrogen, lactose, fat, and energy were not distinguishable from those in milk of nondiabetic women. Glucose concentrations in milk from diabetic women were significantly higher (p less than 0.001) and more variable. The macro- and trace minerals (Ca, P, Mg, K, Zn, Cu, and Fe) were within normal ranges with the exception of Na which was higher in milk from the diabetic women (p less than 0.05). The concentrations of lactoferrin and secretory IgA were not statistically different from reference norms. Milk composition of five insulin-dependent diabetic women was not distinguishable from that of the reference population, with the exceptions of Na and glucose concentrations, which were slightly elevated.