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From the frying pan into the fire: Celiac disease and diabetes

by Monisha on Nov 13 2006 5:28 PM

The results of a recent population based study conducted in Sweden points out that those children who developed celiac disease, a disease which is caused as a result of allergy to a substance called gluten chiefly found in wheat can cause them to become triple times more prone to developing Type I Diabetes mellitus which is also known as Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus often before the age of twenty.

Lead author Dr. Jonas F. Ludvigsson told media that there are a few cases noticed were children are diagnosed to be diabetic much before the celiac disease gets diagnosed which is usually characterized by abdominal cramps ,enlargement of abdomen, loose stools and loss of weight.

In yet another unrelated study done by Danish researchers this month it was established that there is indeed a correlation that celiac disease is often seen in children with type 1 diabetes.

The researchers have speculated that this association of celiac disease with Type 1 diabetes could have something to do with auto antibodies which develop soon after early exposure to gluten in the diet in their infancy or because of some unique genetic susceptibility.

In the light of the findings made in this cohort study the lead author has urged all who suffer from celiac disease to get themselves screened for diabetes to rule out high blood sugar or presence of glucose in urine samples and to get in touch with their physician if they feel suspicious that they are suffering from diabetes, like fatigue severe thirst, increased urination, and weight loss.

He continued, "In the absence of increased blood glucose levels or lack of urinary glucose, I do not recommend further testing for type 1 diabetes. However, I inform patients with newly diagnosed celiac disease about typical symptoms of type 1 diabetes and urge them to contact their doctor in case they suspect type 1 diabetes. Such symptoms may include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss and fatigue.

Source-Medindia
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