CAESAREANS 'RAISE RISK OF DIABETES'

Babies born this way have a 23 per cent higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes, according to a study published yesterday.

Experts were amazed that the link remained strong even when other factors such as the baby’s weight and mother’s age were taken into account.

One theory is that a caesar­ean may expose a baby to harmful hospital bacteria.

Almost a quarter of mothers in England now undergo caesareans.

The World Health Organisation says that it should not be more than 15 per cent.

Some women are choosing to have a caesar­ean even when it is not necessary for medical reasons.

Experts fear the trend could trigger a rise in cases of childhood diabetes.

About 250,000 people in Britain have type 1 diabetes which has to be managed with life-long insulin injections.

Type 2 ­diabetes is usually triggered by poor diet and lifestyle and affects two million Britons.