Kerstin Berntorp

Biography

Kerstin Berntorp is a researcher in diabetes in Diabetes Center Malmoe, Sweden

Research Interest

Kerstin Berntorp  Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. It is characterized by impaired insulin secretion and action. Up to now there has been no international consensus regarding the definition of diagnostic criteria for GDM. In Sweden the diagnosis of GDM is based on a 75 g OGTT and in most areas defined as a 2-hour capillary plasma glucose concentration ≥10 mmol/L. According to these criteria approximately 2 % of pregnant women in Sweden develop GDM. In certain non-European ethnic groups the GDM prevalence is much higher; in Arab women up to 38% has been reported. The precise reason to this difference in susceptibility is not clear. Although most women with GDM revert to normal after delivery, diabetes develop in about 50% within 10 years postpartum, particularly type 2. However, in a worldwide perspective there is a great uncertainty in reported prevalence figures, both for GDM and future diabetes, due to differences in diagnostic criteria and follow up time.