Abstract
Systemic consequences of coeliac disease in children with type 1 diabetes – is it worth following a gluten-free diet?
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Chair of Paediatrics, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow; University Children’s Hospital in Krakow, Poland
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Chair of Paediatrics, Institute of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland
Introduction
Coeliac disease (CD) often coexists with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Children with double diagnosis are frequently asymptomatic, which raises the question of whether to introduce a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) or not.
Aim of the study
To summarise data on systemic consequences of coeliac disease in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Material and methods
The PubMed database was searched for papers to identify meta-analyses, reviews and clinical trials focusing on children.
Results
Coeliac disease, like type 1 diabetes may adversely influence glycaemic control, growth, weight gain, lipid profile and bone health as well as increase the risk of vascular complications. A strict gluten-free diet, at least partly, prevents the development of systemic complications of both disorders.
Conclusions
Dietary restrictions do not have a negative impact on the quality of life of young diabetic patients hence a gluten-free diet with its multifaceted beneficial effects should be recommended to all children with diabetes and coeliac disease.
Keywords
diabetes mellitus, coeliac disease, gluten-free diet
Integrated with
