What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition. It occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine. Gluten is the protein found in grains including wheat, rye, barley, triticale and oats (although some people may still be able to eat oats). When the intestinal lining is damaged, this prevents nutrients from being properly absorbed, which can cause nutrient deficiencies, digestive symptoms, weight loss and fatigue.
What is the link between coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes?
Coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes are both autoimmune conditions, and have similar genetic profiles. For this reason, coeliac disease occurs more commonly in individuals with type 1 compared to the general population. Research shows that around 4.5% of individuals with type 1 diabetes have coeliac disease, compared to 0.5-1.0% of the general population. Those diagnosed with diabetes before
