The experience of living with autoimmune diseases can be challenging, particularly when you suffer from multiple. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac diseases are two of these diseases that are often co-existing with some people managing both at the same time. If you’re suffering from Celiac and Type 1 diabetes, it is essential to know the connections between them, the way they impact each other, as well as the ways you can control both efficiently.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes is a persistent auto-immune condition in which the body’s immune system accidentally attacks and destroys beta cells that produce insulin inside the pancreas. As a result, people with Type 1 diabetes are unable to make insulin on their own and must depend on insulin therapy to regulate their blood sugar levels.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an additional autoimmune disorder that occurs when the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune reaction that damages the interior of the small intestine. The damage to the lining of the small intestine alters the body’s capacity to absorb nutrients, which can cause various digestive and other symptoms.

The Link Between Celiac and Type 1 Diabetes

Two celiac and Type 1 diabetes illnesses are autoimmune disorders, and both have your immune system attacking the body’s tissues. The connection between these two illnesses is significant. Those who have Type 1 diabetes have an increased chance of developing celiac disease when compared with the rest of society.

Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Type 1 Diabetes:

Research suggests that people who have Type 1 diabetes have a greater chance of developing celiac disease. Some estimates show that around 6 to 10% of those who have Type 1 diabetes also suffer from celiac illness.
For people with Type 1 diabetes, the chance of developing celiac disease is highest during adolescence and childhood. However, it can happen at any time.

Why Do People with Type 1 Diabetes develop Celiac Disease?

Both diseases are linked to genetic causes and are often linked to specific genes, particularly those related to HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes. These genes play a role in the human body’s immune reactions, and the presence of them increases the risk of developing autoimmune disorders such as Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease.

The exact reason why certain people with Type 1 diabetes develop celiac disease isn’t fully understood. It is believed that a mix of environmental and genetic factors and immune system issues are the leading causes of both illnesses.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease in People with Type 1 Diabetes

The symptoms of celiac illness in people who have Type 1 diabetes can sometimes overlap with the symptoms of diabetes or be less apparent. The most frequent symptoms of celiac illness are:

• Gastrointestinal Problems: Chronic constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.
• Fatigue: You may feel tired or weak.
• Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss despite reasonable blood sugar control.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Insufficient minerals and vitamins can lead to osteoporosis or anemia.
• Skin Problems: Itchy Skin rashes, such as herpes dermatitis.
• Frequent low blood sugar: People with celiac disease that is not diagnosed might experience more frequent episodes of low blood sugar.

The issue is that the signs and symptoms of celiac disease may be subtle or may be similar to other conditions associated with Type 1 diabetes, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition quickly.

Diagnoses Celiac Disease in People with Type 1 Diabetes

If you have Type 1 diabetes and have some of the signs of celiac disease, you need to be screened. A diagnosis of celiac disease typically depends on the following:

• Blood tests can identify the levels of some antibodies present in individuals suffering from celiac illness (for example, anti-tTG and Anti-endomysial antibodies).
• Endoscopy: A tiny camera is used to perform a thorough biopsy of the small intestine and scan for any destruction of the villi (tiny hair-like protrusions in the intestines that help absorb nutrients).

It’s essential to be aware that you shouldn’t start eating gluten-free until you’ve been tested because this may impair the results of tests.

Managing Celiac Disease and Type 1 Diabetes Together

1. Gluten-Free Diet: Celiac disease control depends on maintaining a gluten-free diet. This involves the avoidance of foods that are prepared with barley, wheat, and Rye. In individuals who have Type 1 diabetes, the diet must be planned cautiously, especially to make sure that your carbohydrate load is even to provide control of blood glucose. Meeting with a dietitian will help in creating a diet plan that is compatible with both of the conditions.
2. Tracking Blood Glucose Levels: Celiac disease can influence nutrient absorption, which will change blood sugar levels. If an improvement occurs after consuming a gluten-free diet, one may need to change the amount of insulin taken. You must track your blood sugar levels continuously with the help of CGM devices when you start a gluten-free diet plan, particularly in the initial two weeks.
3. Vitamin and mineral supplements: Celiac diseases can result in an inability to absorb essential minerals and vitamins, so that supplements could be required. Common deficiencies among people with celiac disease include iron, calcium, vitamin D, and folate. Make sure you get your doctor to check your vitamin levels regularly.
4. Checkups: Both type 1 diabetes and celiac diseases need constant medical care. Regular follow-ups with your endocrine expert (for the disease of diabetes) and the gastroenterologist (for celiac disease) are a must to remain informed about both conditions.
5. Mental and emotional well-being: living with two chronic conditions can be overwhelming. It’s essential to get help through counseling or support groups or find other ways to alleviate anxiety and stress.

The Complications of Celiac Disease in People with Type 1 Diabetes

If not treated, celiac illness can cause serious complications, particularly in those with Type 1 diabetes

• Poor Blood Sugar Control: Damage to the small intestine could result in low nutrient absorption, making it more difficult to maintain steady glucose levels.
• Higher risk of other Autoimmune diseases: People with both conditions can be at greater risk of developing other immune-related disorders, including Addison’s or thyroid diseases.
• Delay in Growth and Development: Children the celiac disease that is not treated can cause retarded growth and delayed puberty.
• Long-Term Health Problems: If not adequately treated, Untreated celiac illness can lead to osteoporosis, infertility, as well as an increased chance of developing certain cancers.

Conclusion

Being a victim of Type 1 celiac disease and diabetes can be challenging. However, with a thoughtful approach to treatment, you can have an active and healthy lifestyle. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you need to know the symptoms of celiac illness and get tested when necessary. A diet free of gluten, along with frequent tests and insulin treatment, will minimize the impact of both diseases and the risk of complications.
Make sure you consult with your healthcare team, including your dietitian, endocrinologist, and gastroenterologist, so that you can get the assistance that you need to deal with Type 1 celiac disease and diabetes effectively.

Knowing the relationship between the two autoimmune diseases and taking preventive measures to control them will allow you to enjoy your health and quality of life while controlling your health.

FAQs