Type 1 Diabetes
Celiac disease and type 1 diabetes
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is a health problem where the body can’t digest foods with gluten. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. It damages the intestines of people with celiac disease.
When you are diagnosed with celiac disease, your healthcare provider will recommend your start a gluten-free diet. This means you stop eating all foods that have gluten.
About 3 to 8% of people with type 1 diabetes will develop celiac disease. If you have type 1 diabetes, your healthcare team may recommend regular screening for celiac disease.
Following a gluten-free diet can affect how you manage your blood glucose (sugar). It's a good idea to work with your healthcare provider to learn more about gluten-free diets, how to read food labels, and the glycemic index. Your healthcare team can help you balance your insulin to carbohydrate intake as you make changes to your diet.
If you have diabetes and celiac disease, you may be at risk for other autoimmune disorders. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?Hwid=custom.ab_diabetes_celiacdisease_inst.
Related to Celiac Disease and Type 1 Diabetes
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: July 15, 2024
Author: Diabetes, Obesity, and Nutrition Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
