People with Type 1 diabetes are up to six times more likely to have coeliac disease than the general population. Both conditions are autoimmune diseases and the two are genetically linked.
What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is a reaction to gluten in food and can cause a wide range of mild to severe stomach and bowel symptoms. In addition, people with coeliac disease may also suffer with nutritional deficiencies.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Some people with coeliac disease also react to oats. It’s particularly important to check that processed foods are gluten free since it may not be obvious they contain gluten.
Could you have coeliac disease?
If you think you may have coeliac disease, talk to your healthcare team who can do a simple blood test. You will then be referred to a gastroenterologist (a specialist in gut problems) who will take a small tissue sample of your gut to check for abnormalities and give you a definite diagnosis.
If you think you may have coeliac disease, don’t start following a gluten-free diet until a definite diagnosis has been made. Following a gluten-free diet prior to a test may make the result wrong. If tests show you do have coeliac disease, you will need to follow a gluten-free diet.
Need help or support?
Coeliac UK is a charity for people with coeliac disease. They can be contacted on 0870 444 8804 or via their website at www.coeliac.co.uk.