Celiac Disease and Diabetes: When to Test and Treat.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to clarify the need for screening and interventions for celiac disease in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and assess the benefits of a gluten-free diet in asymptomatic cases.
Results Summary
The study found that celiac disease is an independent risk factor for complications in type 1 diabetes patients, but there is controversy regarding the benefits of a gluten-free diet on glycemic control, bone health, and quality of life in asymptomatic cases. A multicenter trial is ongoing to further investigate this issue.
Population
Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and celiac disease (including asymptomatic cases).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- | increase | prevalence of celiac disease | patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus | - | substantial increase | #1 |
- | increase | micro- and macrovascular complications | patients with T1DM | - | found to be an independent risk factor | #2 |
- | increase | increased morbidity | patients with T1DM | - | found to be an independent risk factor | #3 |
gluten-free diet | no change | glycemic control | individuals with T1DM and asymptomatic CD | - | reveal controversy regarding the benefits | #4 |
gluten-free diet | no change | bone health | individuals with T1DM and asymptomatic CD | - | reveal controversy regarding the benefits | #5 |
gluten-free diet | no change | quality of life | individuals with T1DM and asymptomatic CD | - | reveal controversy regarding the benefits | #6 |
Prevalence studies from around the world have established a substantial increase in the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Approximately two-thirds of patients with T1DM and CD are asymptomatic for CD at diagnosis. We aim to provide an up-to-date state-of-the-art summary of the recommendations for serologic testing for CD in patients with T1DM and to clarify the debate on the need for screening and interventions. We searched Medline and Cochrane databases for studies of celiac autoimmunity and biopsy-proven CD in people with T1DM between January 1, 2000 and December 1, 2015. CD was found to be an independent risk factor for micro- and macrovascular complications, as well as for increased morbidity in patients with T1DM. Publications, however, reveal controversy regarding the benefits of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on glycemic control, bone health, and quality of life in individuals with T1DM and asymptomatic CD. A multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate this issue is currently ongoing. Until resolution of the pros and cons of screening for CD, and of the benefit versus burden of GFD treatment in T1DM patients with asymptomatic CD, we recommend repeated screening for CD during childhood and adulthood, and treatment with GFD for those with biopsy-proven CD, even if asymptomatic.