Is there a link between people with diabetes and celiac disease? Yes - about 1 in 20 people with type 1 diabetes has celiac disease, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Even in the general population (including those with type 2 diabetes), the rate is estimated as high as 1 in about 250.
Celiac disease is a digestive disease caused by an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. The disease causes damage to the small intestine and prevents nutrients from being absorbed from food. Those with celiac disease may eat plenty of food but may still suffer from malnutrition - their bodies are simply not getting nutrients out of the food. Changing one’s diet to eliminate gluten helps to keep the disease under control.
So what is the link to type 1 diabetes? Celiac disease and diabetes are both autoimmune disorders, meaning the body’s immune system is overactive and "attacks" things in the body that are normal. Those with one autoimmune disorder are more likely to have another.
Symptoms of celiac disease often mimic other diseases and may come and go, making it even harder to diagnose. Some symptoms include:
Digestive problems, such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
In children, failure to grow
Irritability (sometimes only symptom in children)
Depression
Anemia
Fatigue
Skin rash
Osteoporosis
Missed menstrual periods
Miscarriage
For those with diabetes, unexplained low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
If you think you may have celiac disease, ask your doctor to give you a blood test or take a biopsy of your small intestine. You may also want to try a gluten-free diet to see if it improves your symptoms. Gluten is found in breads, pasta, and most processed or pre-packaged foods.
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