coeliac disease and diabetes

There is a proven link between type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease, with people with type 1 diabetes being more likely to develop coeliac disease. According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, up to 10% of people with coeliac disease will also have diabetes.

How do I manage the conditions together?

Your diet needs to be healthy and well balanced, based on starchy gluten free carbohydrates. DS have a range of gluten free bread, gluten free rolls and gluten free pasta available for people with coeliac disease. Other options include potatoes, rice and pulses, which can help to control your blood glucose levels.

You should include plenty of fruit and vegetables and ensure your diet is low in fat, sugar and salt. Remember, it’s not just fresh fruit and vegetables that count as a portion – dried or canned count too.

Carbohydrate counting

In general, CHO content of gluten free foods are comparable to mainstream equivalents so the CHO portion would not differ between gluten free products and mainstream equivalents.

If you use carbohydrate counting as a means of helping to manage your coeliac disease and diabetes and you would like more information about the CHO content of DS products, please contact our friendly Careline on 0800 954 1981 or email us.
 
If you suffer with both coeliac disease and diabetes, it is recommended that you get regular support from a dietitian.


What is coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition brought on by an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye*.

Is coeliac disease genetic? There is a genetic element to coeliac disease which makes certain individuals more susceptible to the condition than others.

What is dermatitis herpetiformis? Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a skin condition caused by an intolerance to gluten and is considered as the skin ‘symptom’ of coeliac disease.

What are the symptoms of coeliac disease? Coeliac disease has a wide range of symptoms but if you are at all affected by tiredness, anaemia, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, vomiting and mouth ulcers then this may be an indication that you have coeliac disease.

How do I get diagnosed with coeliac disease? If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of coeliac disease, it is important that you make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm diagnosis.

What is the treatment for coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is a life long condition, treated by excluding gluten from your diet. With this treatment, you should feel better in a short space of time and remain so for the rest of your life.

If I have coeliac disease do I need to avoid wheat? If you have coeliac disease you are intolerant to gluten, so you should follow a gluten free diet to help your small intestine recover and absorb the nutrients you need from food.

Codex wheat starch A number of gluten free foods contain Codex wheat starch, which has had the gluten washed out to a trace level so is considered safe for people with coeliac disease

Support for those living with coeliac disease For those people who have been diagnosed and don’t have a friend or family member suffering coeliac disease it can be quite scary.

Coeliac disease and osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a thinning of bones which makes them more fragile and prone to breaking following a small fall or bump.

Coeliac disease and pregnancy Pregnancy is an important time during which women with coeliac disease should be regularly followed up.