The study's findings show that diabetic mothers should try to keep their own blood sugar at an ideal level during pregnancy. This will help keep their baby's weight at birth within a range considered healthy.

Mothers should also breast feed their child for up to six months after birth and continue giving breast milk for a time after beginning with baby foods.

Results from earlier studies show that women with type 1 diabetes are more likely to have overweight children. They are also less likely to breast feed or do so for a shorter period of time. Both aspects can affect the child's weight in later life.