Quality of Life in Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease: Role of the Gluten-Free Diet.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare quality of life and glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease versus T1D only, and to assess the impact of gluten-free diet (GFD) adherence on these outcomes.
Results Summary
Youth with T1D and celiac disease reported similar generic and diabetes-specific quality of life to those with T1D only, but nonadherence to GFD was associated with lower diabetes-specific quality of life, lower general well-being, and worse glycemic control.
Population
Youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease, matched for age, sex, diabetes duration, and hemoglobin A1c level.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- | no change | generic and diabetes-specific quality of life | youth with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease | - | reported similar | #1 |
gluten-free diet nonadherence | decrease | diabetes-specific quality of life | youth with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease | mean score 58 vs 75 | reported lower | #2 |
gluten-free diet nonadherence | decrease | general well-being | youth with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease | 57 vs 76 | reported lower | #3 |
gluten-free diet nonadherence | increase | hemoglobin A1c | youth with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease | 9.6% vs 8.0% | was higher | #4 |
continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion | no change | generic and diabetes-specific quality of life | youth with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease | - | had similar | #5 |
continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion | no change | A1C | youth with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease | 8.6 vs 8.2% | had similar | #6 |
continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion | decrease | having to follow a lifelong diet | youth with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease | 59 vs 29 | were less happy | #7 |
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate quality of life (QoL) and glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease vs T1D only. We hypothesized that QoL scores would be lower in youth with T1D and celiac disease and those nonadherent to the gluten-free diet (GFD). STUDY DESIGN: This case control study included 35 youth with T1D and 35 with T1D and celiac disease matched for age, sex, diabetes duration, and hemoglobin A1c level. QoL was assessed in participants and parents using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scale, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Diabetes Module. and the General Well-Being Scale; youth with T1D and celiac disease also completed the celiac disease-specific DUX questionnaire and parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Family Impact Scale. Questionnaires were scored from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate better QoL or well-being. Scores were compared between T1D vs T1D with celiac disease, with subgroup analysis by GFD adherence vs nonadherence and therapy (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs multiple daily injections). RESULTS: Youth with T1D and celiac disease reported similar generic and diabetes-specific QoL to T1D only. GFD nonadherent vs adherent youth reported lower diabetes-specific QoL (mean score 58 vs 75, P = .003) and lower general well-being (57 vs 76, P = .02), as did their parents (50 vs 72, P = .006), and hemoglobin A1c was higher (9.6% vs 8.0%, P = .02). Youth with T1D and celiac disease using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs multiple daily injections had similar generic and diabetes-specific QoL and A1C (8.6 vs 8.2%, P = .44), but were less happy having to follow a lifelong diet (59 vs 29, P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Youth with T1D and celiac disease who do not adhere to the GFD have lower QoL and worse glycemic control. Novel strategies are required to understand and improve adherence in those with both conditions.